Thai Youth Recreational Marijuana Use Doubles... Concerns Over Legalization Side Effects

Allowing Home Cultivation and Consumption of Cannabis... Cannabis Sales at Cafes, Bars, and Streets
Thailand Addiction Research Institute "Need to Establish a System to Control Cannabis Access"

A cannabis sales truck on the streets of Thailand. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] A study has revealed that recreational cannabis use among those under 20 years old has surged following the Thai government's legalization measures.

According to the Bangkok Post on the 31st, the Center for Addiction Studies (CADS) in Thailand reported that since the government removed cannabis from the list of narcotics on June 9, recreational cannabis use among those under 20 has doubled.

Thailand allows home cultivation and consumption of cannabis, making it available in cafes, bars, and on the streets. Cannabis with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 0.2% or higher is classified as an illegal narcotic.

The deregulation has led to increased cannabis cultivation and easier access to cannabis-related products. Although the government prohibits recreational cannabis use, the distinction between medical and recreational use is unclear, and enforcement faces limitations.

CADS Director Ratmon Kanlayasiri pointed out that the increase in cannabis use among youth for recreational purposes indicates the need for a thorough review of the cannabis deregulation policy. He emphasized, "Cannabis use for purposes other than medical or research must be approached with great caution, and an appropriate system to control access to cannabis should be established."

Professor Muhammad Fami Talib of Songkhla University Medical School stated, "There has been a significant increase in patients visiting hospitals for treatment after cannabis use." He explained that last year, about 3% of emergency room patients nationwide sought treatment for mental side effects caused by cannabis, but this year the figure is approaching 17%. He added, "Previously, cannabis was promoted as a crop that would bring economic benefits to farmers, but now it seems to be attracting tourists. Thai people need to recognize the negative impacts of cannabis legalization."

The side effects of legalization measures, such as cannabis use among minors, are also causing controversy in the political arena. As disputes between ruling and opposition parties continue, criticism is growing that confusion is increasing due to the lack of legislation containing specific regulations on cannabis use.

On the 29th (local time), Thailand announced through the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Gazette that it will also allow the import of cannabis and cannabis seeds. Cannabis seeds meeting specified criteria?such as being non-genetically modified and having a plant safety certificate from the exporting country's authorities?can be imported from all countries via air, land, and sea routes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.