Thailand has legalized the consumption and production of cannabis on Thursday. Known for its strong anti-drug laws, Thailand is the first Asian country that has legalized cannabis.
Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana or ganja, is among the most infamous and most used recreational elements.
Although the consumption of cannabis in food and drinks is permitted, smoking pot is still a crime. Failure to comply with rules might result in 3 months of imprisonment or a 25000 Thai Baht fine.
There has been, for some time, advocacy by various groups for the legalization of cannabis. Earlier in 2018, cannabis has been legalized by the Thailand government for medical use only.
The government has been planning to distribute 1 million seedlings among people to grow cannabis at home. The government is hoping it will boost trade, agriculture, and tourism.
Consumption of cannabis in non-smoking form is also subject to some conditions. Cannabis extracts containing more than 0.2% of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis, are not allowed.
Regulations and monitoring
The agriculture ministry of Thailand has launched an application for cannabis growers named Plook Ganja. Every citizen who wants to grow cannabis at home or farm has to sign up for the application. Till now, about 100000 people have signed up.
1118 products, rangings from drinks, food, and cosmetics to medicines have been approved by the government for sale. The government is hoping regulations will boost the income of business owners while ensuring the safety of consumers.
Further, authorities are planning to release about 3000 prisoners who were arrested earlier for possession of cannabis.
It’s a global phenomenon
Thailand is the 41st country in the world that has either legalized or decriminalized the consumption of cannabis. Earlier, countries such as Canada, the USA, Switzerland Spain Portugal Italy Columbia Argentina have partially or completely legalized cannabis.
Due to social media, there has been a global rise in awareness about medicinal and recreational uses and abuses of cannabis. Many activists and pressure groups are has been insisting on the legalization of cannabis for a long time.
