How Cannabis Will be Consumed and Grown in Thailand?

Many Countries around the globe are moving forward towards legalizing the growth and the Consumption of Cannabis. Thailand became one of these Countries after approving the Legalization of Growing Cannabis with Specific Standards and Regulations. The Country is Considered to be the First in South East Asia to legalize Growing Cannabis for Medical Purposes . It will also Launch Cannabis Tours Programs for International and Domestic Tourism.

Provinces where it’s Legal to Grow Cannabis

The Government has Legalized Growing Cannabis in only 8 Provinces around the Country. These Provinces are: Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Samut Songkhram, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Phatthalung and Chon Buri.

How Cannabis Will be Consumed and Grown in Thailand?

Only Authorized farms are allowed to Grow Cannabis under Specific Supervision from Authorities. To get the License to Grow Cannabis is a not that easy. The Owner Needs to go through some Tough Requirements. This include mainly the Farm itself, the Environment in which the Cannabis Will be Grown, How well Prepared the Place is,.. etc. In addition, The Farm Should have Pre Orders for Cannabis from Official Doctors.

Cannabis Products and Where to Get It From?

This Cannabis Will be used in manufacturing many End User Products Such as Food, Beverage, and Health & Wellness Products. This Includes the Following: Water, Tea, Coffee, Cookies, Yoghurt and Other Products as well.

Important to Know: Growing Cannabis For Using it in Manufacturing Products for Medical and F&B Purposes is Legal. However, Consuming it as a drug is Not Legal (Smoking Cannabis is Not Permitted).

Some may think when Hearing about legalizing the Cannabis in Thailand that It will be Sold in Coffeeshops around the country or in Some Stores Same as in some Countries like the USA or The Netherlands. But this is not what it will be Like in Thailand. The Cannabis will be used in Manufacturing End Products to enhance the Wellness and the health of People Consuming it.

You can Get The Cannabis Products either from the Farms Growing it, Or From a Cannabis Clinics. These Clinics are Starting to be more Popular day by Day in Thailand and More Franchises are being opened around the Country.

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  Yoghurt With Cannabis

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  Cookies with Cannabis

Cannabis Clinics

The Cannabis Clinic is a place from Which You can Buy Cannabis Products Such As Food and Beverage Products, Medicines and Other Types of Products as well. In addition to That, You can Receive A Cannabis Treatment After going through Blood Test under the Supervision of Professional Doctors (Other Tests as well may Be required). And then they Can Recommend you to use The Types of Cannabis Treatment Suitable for Your case.

Treatments in The Cannabis Clinics can be used for Pain in the Bones, Skin Problems, Sleeping issues, and many other things as well.

Cannabis Tourism in Thailand

For the Tourism side, Authorities are expecting that Cannabis Tourism will become a trend when the Tourism rebound after the COVID 19 Pandemic. Cannabis Tours in Thailand will be Similar to the Wine Tours in European Countries. It will consist of visiting cannabis Farms, having a tour with a Guide who explains how to grow the best Quality cannabis and give some similar information. After that Guests will be able to purchase the Cannabis Based Products created for health & Wellness, and Food & Beverage Purposes.

Cannabis Law in Thailand: A Guide to Growing & Smoking Marijuana


Thailand's Marijuana laws have evolved dramatically in recent times. What was once considered an illegal drug, unsafe for society, is now legal, mostly.

Thailand approved the decriminalization of cannabis, agreeing that the Health Ministry drop cannabis from its list of controlled drugs.

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed an announcement removing the drug from Category 5 of the country’s list of narcotics, which is now in effect.

Previously regulated under the Narcotics Act, cannabis, or ganja (กัญชา – kancha), as it is known in Thailand, can be grown and sold and consumed.

There's still some uncertainty surrounding public use and how much can be grown. But from the buzz seen around the nation, it seems that cannabis is now fully open for personal and commercial use.

To help clarify some of the finer print, here's the answers to a number of common questions.
Is Marijuana Legal in Thailand?

Yes, but with some regulation.

It is legal to grow cannabis, but to do so you need permission.

Home growers must first tell the government via a website or smartphone app. Thus far, nearly 750,000 applications have been received from key growers.

Industrial and commercial marijuana growers must obtain a license from the Food and Drug Authority.

Cannabis can be used by restaurants. But the leaves and roots used in cooking must be supplied by FDA certified producers and the THC level must be less than 0.2%

You can also buy cookies and teas and other snacks in some stores, all infused with the sacred plant.

However, the over-arching rule in the consumption of cannabis is that the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) content must be less than 0.2%.

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the feeling of being “stoned”.

This means that the products aren't very strong, and certainly not on a par with a hash brownie from an Amsterdam cafe.

That said, people don't appear to be sticking to that rule, and this is where the confusion lies. For example, the Highland Café in Bangkok is already selling buds over the counter, which look pretty potent to me!
Can I Smoke Cannabis in Thailand?

Yes, but smoking in public can still be considered a public nuisance, so it's important to remember this if Somchai offers you a joint at a party.

Those caught smoking in public being a “nuisance” can be subject to fines of up to 25,000 baht ($723) and prison terms of up to three months.

This seems a little contradictory, though, considering Thailand just released 3,000 prisoners previously convicted of cannabis offenses, and is set to release more.

Despite politicians claiming there are these restrictions, it appears there will be no effort to police what people can grow and smoke at home, aside from registering with the government and declaring it is for medical purposes.
If Marijuana is Not Illegal, How Can You Be Arrested for Smoking?

Good question, and this is currently unclear. Those who are familiar with the visa system in Thailand will know that this is how things work here.

When a new law is introduced it takes a while to iron out all of the areas overlooked in the development process and clarify what's allowed and what isn't, and why!

My advice, as a foreign national, is to let Thai people pave the way first. Sit back for a few months and wait for things to become clearer. Smoke at home, indoors for now.
What's the Punishment if You're Caught Smoking or Growing Without Permission?

As far as I know the following legal guidelines still apply, but whether they will be amended or enforced is unclear at this point.Production, importation or exportation: 2-15 years imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 – 1,500,000 Baht
Disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal: 2-10 years imprisonment or a fine of 40,000 – 200,000 Baht or both
Quantity over 10 kilograms: Penalty is increased to a maximum of 15 years and a fine of 200,000 – 1,500,000 Baht
Possession: Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and or a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht or both
Consumption: Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and a fine of 100,000 – 1,000,000
Can I Get Prescription Cannabis in Thailand?

Yes. But note that the strength of medical cannabis in Thailand may be much weaker than you are used to back home in California or Amsterdam.

This has been one of the major complaints from those suffering with long-term illness who have historically relied on a blackmarket supply.

Users have been so disappointed with the strength of medical cannabis that many have returned to the blackmarket to get a more potent supply.

This was recently highlighted in a Vice documentary (see below).



Is There Going to Be a Cannabis Sandbox?

This has been proposed but just how seriously is not clear.

Supposedly there will be an area of Thailand designated to ganja enthusiasts.

You'll be able to spend your holiday smoking, eating, and drinking cannabis-based products until your heart's content. Whether you'll actually get stoned or not is a different matter, because all the product will need to be under 0.2% THC.

It would certainly be a novelty feeling, but I doubt it will rival the cafes of Amsterdam. I don't think it will happen, certainly not this year anyway.
In Summary

Thailand is the most progressive country in the region when it comes to cannabis growth and consumption, but you might want to wait a while before you walk down the street with a big doobie hanging out your mouth and smile at the local bobby.

Do expect to see cafes popping up, and pretty much every dish being advertised with cannabis as a special ingredient.

Will the 0.2% THC be policed? I doubt it. It would waste a lot of police time. Though it could be a good tea-money maker for the BIB.

Most travelers will just do what they've always done: pop along to one of the bars on Phi Phi or Koh Phangan and pick up a sealer bag of the good stuff and smoke away, while the bar pays the local police to turn a blind eye.

Cannabis Clinics in Phuket

Cannabis Clinics in Phuket

Phuket being one of the most celebrated tourist hubs in Thailand, every year draws thousands of tourists from around the world. Exotic beaches, captivating nightlife, delicious food, and abundant sunshine make Phuket tourists’ dream destination.

Many trips advising websites promote Phuket a palace where tourism and cannabis go side by side. Going beyond such assertions, these trip portals suggest places with estimates of price where tourists can get cannabis.

Not sure if there is any modicum of truth in such statements. For travelers who intend to visit that tourism hotspot, it is advised to follow local rules to enjoy your trip to the maximum without falling into avoidable controversies.

Thailand with a history of strict anti-drug laws is amending the country’s harsh cannabis-related laws to capitalize on the economic and therapeutic advantages of marijuana. The limited cannabis liberalization in the far east nation is overshadowed by heavy regulations intend to prevent the misuse of the plant.

In other words, foreigners and tourists can get cannabis in Thailand legally but like locals, they have to follow a formal marijuana acquisition process.

Local laws to get cannabis in Phuket

Just like any other part of Thailand, Phuket’s residents and foreigners alike need to fulfill the requirements mentioned in the laws governing cannabis possession and consumption in the country.

The Government’s laws are meant to promote cannabis as a medical remedy while it can not be used for recreational and pleasure-seeking purposes.




Local laws to get cannabis in Phuket

Just like any other part of Thailand, Phuket’s residents and foreigners alike need to fulfill the requirements mentioned in the laws governing cannabis possession and consumption in the country.

The Government’s laws are meant to promote cannabis as a medical remedy while it can not be used for recreational and pleasure-seeking purposes.

In case, you are looking for recreational marijuana in Phuket, the Thai laws don’t permit it. Whether you are Thai national living in Phuket or a tourist came to have some memorable time here, you can only eligible to acquire legal marijuana if you are suffering from a health condition that falls into the list of approved medical conditions.

The approved medical conditions enlist several conditions that the Thai government believes can be treated by using medical marijuana. You need a certificate from a qualified physician that verifies your health condition.

Patients with certified health conditions can get medical cannabis from designated cannabis clinics or government-specified hospitals.

Tourists entering the country with cannabis stash need to declare it to the customs authorities. There is a stock declaration form for tourists, they are required to list the amount of marijuana in their possession. Later, by visiting an FDA or public health office they can get their stock back by presenting the following documents. Passport
Air tickets (as proof of traveling)
Copy of medical prescription
Prescribing doctor’s license

Getting marijuana approval can be a bit hectic and complex. However, there are dedicated medical cannabis lines that foreigners can use to get their required information.

The visitors can get information in English by dialing 1556, Ext. 3 from an FDA operated helpline. Another run by the Narcotics Control Board can be reached at 1386, Ext. 3 during regular government office working hours.




Violation of cannabis laws

We strongly discourage pursuing cannabis from illegal channels as advocated by some of the websites. Despite the country’s gradual progress to legalize marijuana, strict laws are in place to deal with unauthorized possession and consumption of cannabis.

Violators may have to serve a jail term of one-year or pay a financial penalty worth of 20,000 baht (USD $ 600). Since laws don’t discriminate on the basis of violators’ nationalities, it means being a foreigner would not help you to escape the law in case of a violation. There are several cases of foreigners ending up in jail for illegally possessing cannabis in Phuket.

Laws in transition

Cannabis laws are in transition, and the government is making amendments deemed suitable. In one development, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said hospitals under his ministry start prescribing medicines with cannabis extracts within three weeks.

“While the drugs are in production now, I have asked that laws be amended to accommodate this move. Within 2-3 weeks, hospitals under the ministry will be allowed to prescribe drugs containing cannabis extract. Assuming good results from treatment, the policy on cannabis then will move on to the next step,” he said as reported by The Phuket News.

In days to come, it is expected that regulations governing cannabis consumption would be amended and it would improve the availability of the drug as well as the acquisition process simple and straightforward. With such changes, cannabis can be acquired in Phuket with greater ease and less bureaucratic hassles

Cannabis Oil in Thailand

Cannabis oil in Thailand





What is Thai Cannabis oil?

The cannabis plant contains over 100 natural compounds called cannabinoids. These compounds are responsible for the different properties including the medicinal benefits of the marijuana plant. Of these cannabinoids two most popular are cannabidiol and Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol popularly known as THC has psychoactive properties and causes high head sensations.

While cannabidiol also is known as CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to address several health-related symptoms. Since CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant in the form of oil therefore, is also referred to as cannabis oil in Thailand.
Cannabis oil buzz

The growing awareness of the medicinal properties of cannabis oil has made it a buzzy wellness product. In countries where CBD is legalized to treat various health conditions cannabis the industry is flourishing. You may come across coffee shops selling CBD lattes, spas offering CBD massage, and cosmetics companies introducing CBD based wellness products.

With growing popularity, CBD has become an essential part of the wellness landscape in cannabis legal countries. Several articles in the mainstream media on CBD and its benefits reflect the increasing interest of people to know about this natural compound.

Since new countries are joining the list where medical cannabis is legal, the curious minds want to know what CBD is, how it is extracted, and how it interacts with the body. In Thailand where recent decriminalization of medical marijuana has sparked public interest in the properties of CBD oil. The answers to the above questions can help people understand better about cannabis oil allowing them to make informed consumption decisions.
How cannabis oil is extracted in Thailand?

The cannabis plant is believed to contain up to 40% of CBD. It is acquired from the plant using different extraction methods. Most often, carbon dioxide is used as a solvent to extract CBD from the plant matter. By applying a combination of high pressure and low temperature, the maximum quantity of CBD can be extracted from the plant.




Medical benefits of cannabis oil

The recent legislation in Thailand allows patients to consume medical marijuana for a list of approved health conditions. However, there are several people who want to know if there is any scientific evidence to support frequent claims of cannabis health benefits. The research on the medicinal effects of cannabis is still in preliminary stages.

The initial evidence validates several of the anecdotal claims of medical benefits of cannabis. The emerging scientific research outcome suggests cannabis oil is effective to treat a multitude of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and schizophrenia.

The growing scientific evidence also sheds light on cannabis oil’s potential to heal a number of physical health conditions. For instance, a study conducted on rats concluded that CBD can effectively help to address the arthritis pain.

Another study validates cannabidiol’s healing potential to deliver therapeutic relief to human skin issues such as acne vulgaris. Investigating the effects of CBD on human sebaceous gland function, the research found that cannabidiol is a highly effective sebostatic agent.

It is generally believed the therapeutic properties of cannabis oil comes from CBD’s anti-inflammatory character. A number of studies suggest that a combination of lipostatic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD serve as a therapeutic agent to address the issue of acne vulgaris.

Another CBD research stream exploring complex childhood epilepsy disorder investigated the effects of CBD on this disorder with drug-resistant seizures causing high mortality rates. The findings showed a reduction in the total number of convulsive seizures when cannabidiol was administered. Overall CBD proved more effective in controlling seizures than placebo.

In Thailand, cancer makes the list of approved condition for which patients can seek and use medical cannabis. Despite popular anecdotal accounts of cannabis cancer healing properties, there is little research to investigate anti-cancer properties of CBD.

The preliminary scientific evidence, however, started emerging to show that CBD possesses anti-cancer properties. In addition, CBD also helps to manage the cancer treatment-related severe side-effects.

How does cannabis oil interact with the body?

In order to clearly understand the body CBD interaction, it is important to comprehend the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates important body functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, bowel movements, and more.

By maintaining a biological harmony, the ECS plays an important role in the body’s response to environmental conditions such as mental and physical stress. Initially, ECS receptors are thought to be present in the brain and nerves only but later research shows that endocannabinoid system receptors are found across the entire body. They regulate a number of critical body functions such as pain, memory, mood, appetite, sleep, stress, metabolism, immune system, and reproduction system.

Being the most versatile and widespread molecules in the human body, their right balance plays an important role in human health and happiness.
Components of ECS

The endocannabinoid system consists of three components namely receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. It is important to note these ECS components are present in the body and their function does not depend upon the CBD. It means ECS components keep operating even when one does not consume CBD.

The ECS receptors are of two types: CB1 and CB2, and their job is to keep endocannabinoid intact. The enzymes make the second component of the ECS and they come in different forms but only two forms have the ability to breakdown the endocannabinoids.

Being a part of the central nervous system, CB1 receptors play an active role in the regulation of coordination, movement, pain, appetite, memory, mood, and other functions. While CB2 receptors are part of the peripheral nervous system and are associated with pain and inflammation regulation.

When enzymes breakdown endocannabinoids, these components try to bind with receptors. The CBD leaves its effect on the body by helping these components to bind with the receptors.

At the moment, there is no information to explain how CBD helps components of ECS to bind with the receptors. The researchers believe that CBD activates the receptors which in turn provide composure to the broken endocannabinoids. This CBD receptors interaction result in several health benefits for the human body.

The effect of CBD goes beyond endocannabinoids and influences non-endocannabinoids such as cannabidiol modulate a non-endocannabinoid receptor called 5 ht serotonin receptor. The role of this receptor is critical in controlling psychotic disorders.

The scientific evidence shows that CBD reduces chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptor interaction.

A study involving rats found that CBD can effectively reduce the pain response to surgical procedures. Another scientific study found that Oral CBD administration significantly relieved sciatic never pain and inflammation in rats.
Where to find cannabis oil in Thailand?

In this far east country, cannabis is neither for everyone nor it is available everywhere. To get your hands on the legal CBD oil, you need to qualify two conditions. First, patients with approved ailments are entitled to apply for cannabis oil. Second, such patients need to get a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner. The patients with a medical certificate can go to any of the cannabis clinics or authorized public hospitals.

Under the new law, the consumption of marijuana is only permitted for medical purposes. The recreational use of the drug is still illegal and can be subject to fine and jail sentence.

The Thai government is aspiring to become a regional hub for medical cannabis. As well as, the officials are trying to attract more and more tourists to the country.

If you are a foreigner and visiting the country, you can bring your stash with you. For the purpose, all tourists need to follow a set procedure. All foreigners with a valid medical certificate showing they suffer from an approved medical condition can purchase cannabis oil from designated clinics and hospitals.




Final thoughts

Cannabis oil is believed to possess useful medical properties that help address several ailments. The scientific evidence validates several of cannabis anecdotal benefits. However more research is required to truly understand the medical benefits of cannabis oil.

The consumption of cannabis oil in Thailand is subjected to heavy regulation. Therefore, knowledge of related laws is very essential before making any consumption decision. Any violation of medical cannabis law can invite serious consequences in the form of fine and jail term.

Update: Weed whiplash: ‘Arrest’ order for dispensary operators revoked after spreading confusion, fear

 Thailand’s budding legal cannabis scene was reeling in confusion this morning after a new government order instructed police to arrest anyone selling weed without “permission” – despite the fact no such permission exists. 

One of the people currently working on amendments to the bill to regulate weed told Coconuts this morning that the current free-for-all was never intended, and that yesterday’s new order instructing police to “arrest and prosecute” those selling or exporting cannabis without permission was intended to close the legal loophole which has existed since legalization on June 9.

Update: Weed whiplash: ‘Arrest’ order for dispensary operators revoked after spreading confusion, fear

“Dispensaries should never have existed in the first place,” said the woman, who is working with the parliamentary committee to beef up the much-anticipated Cannabis Act. Describing herself as opposed to cannabis liberalization, the doctor spoke on condition of anonymity as she was not authorized to speak to the media.

Buds are being weighed on a scale at The Dispensary by Taratera. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

She said that cannabis may only be sold at approved clinics, which would be consistent with officials’ repeated insistence it is meant for “medical purposes” only.

“Those dispensaries should close their shops now,” she said.

That will be crushing news to the legions of longtime advocates and instant entrepreneurs who have hurried to open storefronts in recent weeks.

Several dispensary owners told Coconuts this morning that the health ministry order left them uncertain what to do, whether to open their stores, or how to obtain permission to do so – an uncertainty parroted even by the police. 

“I don’t know what to do next. I’m lost at sea,” said one dispensary owner who spoke on condition of anonymity, for fear of unspecified repercussions.

Kajkanit “Gem” Sakdisubha, works behind the counter at The Dispensary by Taratera. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

With cannabis recently designated a regulated medicinal to support the setting of an age limit by emergency decree, yesterday’s new order was signed by Narong Saiwong, deputy secretary of public health. It gave no timeline for when it would be imposed. 

None of the order pertains to consumption – people are still free to spark up their stash as they were before, regardless of their reason. In fact, the man credited with leading the legalization charge – Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul – promised yesterday that weed would not be re-criminalized.

But the immediate effect was to throw the rapidly growing community of dispensaries into disarray, with some immediately closing and others taking a wait-and-see approach.

A representative of The Dispensary by Taratera on Silom Road said it has stopped selling buds with THC content until it acquires permission from the authorities. 

Asoke-area dispensary owner Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka this morning announced that she would also no longer sell buds at her shop until it received official approval. 

Owners of the Sukhumweed dispensary in Soi Sukhumvit 42 said it was open today and selling buds as usual while a lawyer was dispatched to determine what permission was required.

Soranut ‘Beer’ Masayavanich at his own Sukhumweed dispensary in Soi Sukhumvit 42 in Bangkok. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Not even the police had any insight into what it all meant, or how to prosecute violators. Thonglor police chief Col. Duangchote Suwanjaras told Coconuts this morning that he and his team will meet later this week to seek “clarity” on the new order.

“We will discuss later this week for clarity on this,” he said. “Right now, the Cannabis Act hasn’t been enacted yet, so we have to look into the other laws and see which ones we can enforce.”

When weed became fully legal June 9, it was a free-for-all as no regulations had been prepared to regulate its sale or consumption. While parliament works on finalizing a bill that would codify a regulatory framework, speculation has run wild that it will either support the new status quo or drop a new set of draconian prohibitions.

What definitely doesn’t exist, yet, is any form of license or process for obtaining permission as required in the new order. 

A customer inspects their weed purchase at Bangkok’s Highland Cafe on June 9, 2022, the first day cannabis was decriminalized. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

The order also says that since cannabis has been classified as a controlled medicine, people cannot conduct research, export, sell, or process it without the express permission. The order also specifies that permission is to be obtained from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine in Bangkok, or provincial health departments in other provinces.

It states that, “for public order,” the health ministry would notify the Royal Thai Police and officials under existing traditional medicine regulations to prosecute any violators.

Another Bangkok dispensary owner, who refused to give his name for fear of legal repercussions, said that while his dispensary had opened this morning, it quickly closed after staff saw what they believed to be an undercover police officer walk in and take several photographs before leaving. They feared officers might return to raid the store.

A man smokes a joint on June 12, 2022, at the Thailand 420: Legalaew event. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

He said dispensary owners should set up an association or network to share useful information and advice, especially during a “confusing time” like this.

Several calls to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine went unanswered this morning.

Police to seek ‘clarity’

Among the issues police chief Duangchote said police will discuss included how to test the level of THC, the psychoactive compound that gets people high. Currently, people can possess cannabis, no matter the THC content, but extracts such as edibles, oils or hashish cannot exceed 0.2% THC.

“We have to find out about that for sure, too,” Duangchote said. 

Addressing public confusion about the new order, the chief vowed to find clarity as soon as possible. He did not signal any imminent crackdown or arrests.

“We don’t want to scare people off, but of course something has to be done because right now [cannabis sales] have been way out of line.”

Pot smokers and cannabis advocates on April 20, 2022, hit Khaosan Road to celebrate Weed Day. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Duangchote referred to the increasingly common sight of people selling cannabis openly in the street, sometimes in plastic bag like candy – alongside the amulets, vegetables and sex enhancement products widely found on sidewalks.

Duangchote said it poses a risk to minors. 

Public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday that the Cannabis Act should return to parliament by the end of August. If passed, the bill would then go for royal endorsement.

Buds are being weighed on a scale at Thailand 420: Legalaew event. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

While there was a surprising lack of organized opposition to legalization before it happened – largely as it flew under the radar – the ensuing moral panic has been compounded by unforced errors and the absence of what would, arguably, be valid and useful rules.

The order comes a few days after hundreds of medical staff and alumni from a prominent university hospital suddenly blamed liberal cannabis policies for encouraging recreational use rather than medicinal and harming youth in a petition urging officials to rein it in with strict regulations.