Although those two objectives are not necessarily mutually exclusive, it is important to understand the motivations behind the reforms so that policymakers can balance both aspects.
In February 2019, cannabis and hemp extracts were removed from state control and products containing hemp were reclassified in August 2019.
In March 2021, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that households could legally grow up to six cannabis plants.
Although only a few dozen individuals were initially in therapy due to major challenges in approving patients, 10,000 bottles of cannabis oil were distributed among patients with a prescription in August 2019.
Stringent government controls have led to licensing challenges.
Despite the growing number of clinics, it remains unclear how many patients currently have access to medical cannabis in the absence of any evaluation of dispensing medical services.
Marut Jirasrattasiri, Director General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, referred to medical cannabis as providing ‘more options for income’.
The press echoes the promise of financial benefits, with many articles advancing potential economic gains published in the health section rather than the business section.
Putting profit ahead of public health is a common response to public health crises — one most recently seen in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, access to cannabis has been limited, no evaluations have been performed and popular discourse promotes the potential economic benefits for the country, the government, and the business sector.