While Thailand still sentences cannabis users to 10 years’ imprisonment, one party in the ruling coalition has proposed a rather nice bill for weed lovers: to authorize the cultivation of cannabis at home, in limited quantities.
A year ago, Thailand legalized the use of medicinal cannabis.
The first bottles of cannabinoid oil have just arrived in hospitals (mainly to treat cancer patients), and the kingdom is already planning further steps.
Thailand doesn’t seem to be stopping there.
While legislation remains very strict, punishing users with heavy prison sentences, a member of parliament from the Bhumjaithai party (in charge of the Ministry of Health) is proposing a bill authorizing up to six marijuana plants per household.
A revolution.
In an interview with Reuters news agency, Supachai Jaisamiut makes the point: “The principle is that it’s a medical use, you can have it in your home to relieve ailments, but you can’t smoke it on the street“.
Legislation that will undoubtedly delight tourists who sleep in local homes.
Putting down your travel bag in a typical little shack could therefore have an added charm, and quite quickly.
The law could be passed in six months, starting in November, if the government’s support is sufficient.
So, the bill fulfils one of the Bhumjaithai party’s key election promises.
Of course.
But Thailand’s ears have been pricked a little by the United Nations Office of Narcotics Control.
In its eyes, such a law is tantamount to total liberalization of cannabis, which would amount to a violation of the international drug control treaties.
Consequence: a loss of import rights on certain medicines.
Not great, indeed.
Another problem is that the distribution of the profits from this new financial windfall is dividing the Thais.
This is understandable, given the huge economic stakes involved.
Thailand could well see itself becoming a major player in the marijuana business.
Particularly as climatic conditions are ideal for cultivation.
In the medium term, Thailand even intends to compete with the United States in the medical cannabis market.
Enough to fill the government’s coffers: in Asia, the annual market is estimated at over 5 billion euros.
Pao
