Thailand legalises medical cannabis
On 25.12.2018, the Thai parliament votes in favour of releasing cannabis for medical use and research. However, consumption as a stimulant and enriching recreational activity remains prohibited.
On 28 November, South Korea became the first country in Southeast Asia to approve cannabis for medical use. On Christmas Day, Thailand joined the list.
Thailand is one of the countries with the strictest drug laws to date.
Medical hemp in Thailand
"This is a New Year's gift from the National Legislative Assembly to the government and the Thai people," said Somchai Sawangkarn, chairman of the drafting committee, in a meeting broadcast by parliament.
Cannabis traffickers continue to face the death penalty in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. In Thailand, there was a particularly difficult conflict over patent applications by foreign companies. These would allow some companies to determine the market, making access more difficult for Thai patients and research, it was feared.
Finally, 166 members of the Thai National Legislative Assembly voted in favour of the release of medicinal cannabis. There were no votes against and only 13 members abstained.
Marijuana as medicine but no full legalisation
Thailand used to practice a very strict and fundamental drug policy, which put the possession of cannabis and other psychoactive substances under severe penalties. In recent years, however, a change in Thailand's drug policy could be seen. The kingdom could see how other countries deal with drugs and cannabis. In addition, South Korea decided to legalise medical hemp and thus made a decisive advance.
Thailand now also wants to achieve decriminalisation and clear regulation with regard to cannabis. However, there is still a long way to go until full legalisation. The Medical Clearance Act will soon come into force in Thailand and it is assumed that a model comparable to that in Germany will be introduced.
The country's own cultivation is already planned in this context and is intended to bring in revenue as well as meet the needs of the Thais. Cannabis patients, however, have to be careful. Even if you have a permit for medical cannabis in Germany and have official papers, you should not simply take your cannabis with you to Thailand, because serious problems could still arise.
