Cannabis in Thailand

The picture above is of Mary Jane , a cannabis store in Bankok, Thailand

Cannabis has a long and complex history in Thailand, dating back centuries. The plant, known locally as “ganja” ( cannabis in Indian language) or “maa”  ( Chinease for cannabis  ) in Thai, has been used for various purposes, including medicinal, religious, and recreational. However, its legal status has evolved significantly over the years.

Historically, cannabis was used in traditional medicine in Thailand to treat various ailments such as pain, inflammation, and as an anesthetic. It was also used in religious ceremonies and cultural practices, particularly among rural communities. However, with the advent of international drug control treaties and pressure from Western countries, Thailand began to regulate and restrict cannabis in the early 20th century.

In 1928, Thailand passed the “Marijuana Act” which criminalized the possession and use of cannabis. The motive behind this move was partly due to international pressure as Western nations sought to control drug use and trafficking globally. In the decades that followed, penalties for cannabis-related offenses became increasingly severe.

The legal stance on cannabis in Thailand started to change again in the 21st century. In the early 2000s, there was growing public awareness of the potential medical benefits of cannabis, leading to discussions about the possibility of legalizing medical marijuana.

A major turning point occurred in 2018 when Thailand’s parliament voted to legalize medical cannabis. The legislation allowed for the medical use of cannabis products and allowed research on the plant for medicinal purposes. This move was seen as a significant step towards embracing the potential benefits of cannabis while still maintaining strict regulations to prevent abuse.

Later in 2019, further changes were made when Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize the use of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes. The law permitted individuals and businesses to apply for licenses to grow cannabis for medicinal and research purposes, as well as to manufacture cannabis-based products.

On 9 June 2022 , cannabis plant was totally decriminalized and  all crimes related with it. on the same day 4200 convicts related with cannabis related crimes were released from the jail. As of today there are hundreds of cannabis shops, bars , dispansaries where any one go and use it for recreational purposes.