Thailand allows people to grow cannabis at home, frees prisoners caught smoking marijuana

Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul talks about growing cannabis at home – Photo: AP

Cannabis plants will not be considered an illegal drug, according to an announcement by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

This means that the production, import, export, distribution, consumption and possession of cannabis for medical and health purposes will be officially legalized in the United States. Thailandnewspaper Bangkok Post news.

Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) says police will not arrest people who smoke at home for medical or health purposes. However, if they smoke marijuana in public areas and cause trouble, they can be charged.

Cannabis oil extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) will be banned.

In addition, more than 4,200 prisoners serving sentences for smoking marijuana in Thailand were also released nationwide on June 9.

However, the legalization of the cannabis plant has also raised concerns that it could increase addiction to cannabis, according to the report. Bangkok Post.

Mr. Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, said that improper use of cannabis can lead to an increase in addiction.

Mr. Kiattiphum admits some people may overuse or mix marijuana with other addictive substances. Therefore, the Ministry of Health will establish a system to monitor people who may have mental health problems due to improper use of cannabis.

“We will take measures to prevent improper use of cannabis,” Mr Kiattiphum said.

The department also established a cannabis communication committee to educate the public on the proper use of cannabis for medical or commercial purposes.

Since it is no longer on the list of banned substances, people can grow cannabis at home but must report it to local authorities.

Thailand’s Cannabis and Hemp Act prohibits the sale of cannabis to pregnant women and people under the age of 20.

Panthep Puapongpan, a spokesman for the Commission on Cannabis Communications, said cannabis has more benefits than harm, and that is why it was removed from the government’s list of banned drugs.

According to the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand (FDA), there are currently 1,181 herbal products and traditional medicine treatments that use cannabis.

The value of cannabis-containing products could reach 15 billion baht (more than $435 million) by 2026.