After legalising the use of cannabis some 3 years ago, the Thai Government is now looking to regulate its use in the country by essentially banning recreational consumption.
Thai Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that the country will be enforcing a new regulation requiring cannabis users to have medical certificates to ensure that the plant is used only for medical purposes.
Thailand to enforce a new regulation requiring medical certificates for cannabis use
Somsak Thepsutin
Somsak was quoted by the Thai-based publication Bangkok Post as saying that the regulation will be enforced on both Thai and foreign cannabis users in the country.
He asserted,
“I will improve regulations on cannabis use in Thailand. For example, cannabis smokers may have to show medical certificates. Foreign and Thai cannabis users must have medical certificates,”
The Thai Public Health Minister added that his ministry will order government organisations to keep enforcing the law and not to allow any problems to develop.
The new regulation will require cannabis users to have a medical certificate issued by licensed medical professionals, including both traditional Thai medicine practitioners and general physicians.
Furthermore, Somsak said that he wanted to see his ministry issue the regulation within 40 days. Hence, the new regulation is expected to come into force sometime in July 2025.
Those caught disobeying restrictions on cannabis use may be jailed
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Meanwhile, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine director-general, Dr Somlerk Jeungsmarn, said that the regulation should make it clear that cannabis use is for medical treatment only.
He said,
“In the future, there may have to be medical certificates to prove that users suffer from diseases such as seizures, headaches, pain and insomnia,”
Dr Somlerk added that there may be restrictions on cannabis use, including a permitted dosage for one month’s use.
Should the duration exceed one month, it will no longer be considered for medical purposes, and there will be prosecution, with the punishment still being discussed, and may include jail time.
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So, what do you guys think of this latest development? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
