Thailand’s new cannabis laws, yes, but no, but yes…

June 13, 2022 Thailand Crime & Legal

The reports of Thailand’s reformed cannabis laws have reached the far corners of the earth, being reported in the BBC, on CNN, Fox News, Australia’s ABC… well everywhere really. But once readers get past the headline the nitty gritty paints a more nuanced story about exactly what the recent ‘legalisation’ actually means.

“People in Thailand can now grow cannabis plants at home and sell the crop after the nation removed marijuana from its banned narcotics list.” – BBC

“Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis — but tough penalties will still apply to those who use the drug to get high, according to the minister who spearheaded the change.” – CNN

“The government has said it is promoting cannabis for medical use only, warning those eager to light up for fun that smoking in public could still considered to be a nuisance subject to a potential 3-month sentence and 25,000 Thai baht fine (about US$780) .
And extracted content remains illegal
if it contains more than 0.2% of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the chemical that makes people high.” Time.com

Thailand is the first to advance moves to decriminalise cannabis growing and use in South-East Asia, a region otherwise known for stringent, sometimes draconian, drug laws.