In Thailand, there is a long cultural tradition of using cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Like many of its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, however, Thailand has historically imposed harsh anti-drug laws that strongly penalize cannabis cultivation and use. But late last year, the nation of nearly 70 million people became the first in the region to legalize medical cannabis. And now, Thai lawmakers are pushing to develop policies aimed at creating a robust medical cannabis industry.
In a policy document released July 21 ahead of a key national assembly debate set for Thursday, Thai leaders call for accelerating research and developing technologies to bring marijuana, hemp and other medicinal herbs into the country’s medical industry. The policy document also sets out the unique goal of enabling all Thai citizens to grow and sell cannabis for medical purposes.
Thai Lawmakers Propose Policies to Jumpstart Medical Marijuana Industry
In March 2019, Thailand held its first election since the 2014 military coup d’état that installed coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha as prime minster. Following the controversial March elections, Prayuth held on to power to head up Thailand’s civilian government with a ruling coalition of 19 parties. One of the largest parties of that coalition, the Bhumjaithai Party, made developing Thailand’s medical cannabis industry a central part of its agenda. And since the election, the party has been demanding policy action from Thai lawmakers and the prime minister.
One of the leading voices pushing to make medical marijuana a part of the government’s agenda is Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. Charnvirakul serves as deputy prime minster and health minister. And in statements to Thai media, Charnvirakul has called for changes to the banned