Now categorized as a controlled herb, cannabis flower buds and its products face stricter rules in Thailand.
After becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis earlier this year, Thailand is now revising its cannabis rules just five months later.
A ministry of public health announcement signed by deputy prime minister and health minister Anutin Charnvirakul on November 11 was published in the Royal Gazette on November 23, making it official. Under the new regulations, superseding the previous announcement on June 16, cannabis flower buds are now classified as a controlled herb. The rest of the cannabis plant, such as seeds, leaves, roots, and stems, are not a controlled herb.
Those wishing to export, sell, process or conduct research using cannabis flower buds for commercial purposes must acquire a permit and must adhere to the following rules:
- Permit holders must have a database providing information on the source of the cannabis buds, how it is used, and the amount held. This information must also be provided to authorities as required.
- Permit holders wishing to export cannabis buds must report details of the exported goods each time.
- Sale of cannabis buds or its processed products to those aged less than 20 years, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or students is prohibited.
- Sale of cannabis buds or its processed products on business premises is prohibited, except for medical usage, and that must be sold and administered by a medical practitioner, certified rural medic, traditional medical practitioner, dentist, or veterinarian.
- Sale of cannabis buds or its processed products via vending machines or online or electronic channels is prohibited.
- Advertising cannabis buds for commercial purposes via any channel is prohibited.
- Sale of cannabis buds or its processed products in temples or places of religious worship; dormitories; public parks, zoos, and amusements parks is prohibited.
The new rules are seen as a quick fix while the Thai government tries to push through its Cannabis and Hemp Bill, which passed its first reading in the House and has been endorsed by the House Scrutiny Committee. It is due to be debated in the House for its second and final readings in this parliamentary session. However, the Bill continues to face strong resistance from both opposition parties and even some government parties.