Jun 14, 2022 04:12 pm
Growing and trading marijuana and hemp products, or use parts of the plant to treat illnesses is longer a crime in Thailand as it decriminalises cannabis but the recreational use of the drug remains illegal. The government further issued a stern warning for foreign tourists saying that don't come to Thailand thinking you will get to smoke joints freely.
Tough penalties will still apply to those who use the drug to get high and warned against smoking joints, said Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
"We still have regulations under the law that control the consumption, smoking or use of cannabis products in non-productive ways." Under the Public Health Act, the penalty for smoking cannabis in public includes up to three months jail term and a USD 800 fine.
However, cafes and restaurants are allowed to serve cannabis-infused food and drinks, only if the products contain less than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Don't come to Thailand to smoke joints freely: Government warns foreign tourist
"We (have always) emphasized using cannabis extractions and raw materials for medical purposes and for health," Deputy Prime minister Anutin said. "There has never once been a moment that we would think about advocating people to use cannabis in terms of recreation -- or use it in a way that it could irritate others."