Not long ago, Thailand decriminalized cannabis and seemed poised to become the first country in Asia to legalize recreational cannabis. However, a new government opposes Thailand legal marijuana and is taking steps to pass a new law banning recreational use in the country.

The country’s health minister recently announced that the Thai government is swiftly advancing a bill to prohibit recreational consumption of cannabis. This decision could effectively reverse the kingdom’s decriminalization of cannabis in 2022, making Thailand legal marijuana a thing of the past.

The decision to decriminalize in 2022 came from the pro-legalization Bhumjaithai party. In June of that year, the government removed cannabis from the list of banned narcotics, leading to a proliferation of cannabis dispensaries nationwide, notably in Bangkok.

However, this development raised concerns among critics who advocated for stricter regulations. “The new bill will be amended from the existing one to only allow the use of cannabis for health and medicinal purposes,” Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew said, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).  “The use for fun is considered wrong.”

New Prime Minister Opposes Thailand Legal Marijuana for Recreational Use

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took office in August 2023. On the issue of legalization, he made it clear he opposes the recreational use of cannabis. His position is that it should only be used for medicinal use.

Among his reasons for opposing cannabis legalization is fear that it will lead to abuse of other drugs. Studies have shown that cannabis typically does not serve as a gateway drug.

SCMP reported that the issue had moved to the forefront of public debate after people who attended a recent concert by British band Coldplay in Bangkok complained on social media that “the entire concert smelled like marijuana.”

At one point, Thailand had an international reputation for tough cannabis laws. Those caught with cannabis in their possession could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine. But the kingdom has sought in recent years to cash in on the global boom in medical marijuana.

Thailand Made History With Medical Marijuana Legalization

Thailand made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to authorize the use of cannabis for medical purposes, leveraging its favorable climate for cultivation.

Decriminalization was seen as a potentially lucrative strategy for the tourism-dependent economy, which had suffered significant setbacks due to the pandemic. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated that by 2025, the cannabis market could reach a value of $1.2 billion.

The legislative changes in 2022 paved the way for a surge of cannabis “dispensaries” to emerge, taking advantage of the ambiguity surrounding the drug’s legal status.

In a notable event, a rooftop café in Bangkok played host to the inaugural Cannabis Cup Thailand, featuring a competition for joint-rolling enthusiasts. But the spread of dispensaries throughout the country also has led to increased complaints from those opposed to cannabis legalization.