Two years after becoming the first nation to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes, Thailand has taken another step toward becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to decriminalize the drug.
At a signing ceremony, Anutin, who has spearheaded Thailand’s push for decriminalization since his Bhumjaithai Party made legalization of cannabis a key campaign promise at the 2019 election, expressed hopes that the move marked the beginning of a “new history for cannabis” in Thailand.
But according to the Associated Press, yesterday’s delisting, which will enter into effect 120 days after its publication in the Royal Gazette, means that all parts of the marijuana plant, including its flowers and seeds, can legally be consumed in Thailand.
As a result, under the new rules, the production and sale of the herb will remain regulated and it will still be against the law to grow and consume marijuana.
Put simply, this is not an administration that one would expect would be tolerant toward the use of cannabis – but it is relief to see Thailand moving forward on at least one issue on Prayut’s watch.