Thailand to Ban Recreational Use by end of 2024

Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalise cannabis, permitting medicinal use in 2018 and then recreational use in 2022. When thousands of cannabis shops have been set up in various parts of the country and the business is estimated to be worth up to $1.2 billion by next year according to Reuters.

Critics have stated that guidelines were rushed out and taken up within a week of decriminalisation and that now the Thai government has drafted this new law to regulate cannabis use by the end of this year.

The draft bill will be looking to attain the cabinet's approval before going to parliament to be passed..

“Without the law to regulate cannabis it will be misused. The misuse of cannabis hurts Thai children. In the long run, it could lead to other drugs,”  Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew told news reporters about recreational cannabis use

The Health Minister added that any cannabis shops operating illegally in the country will be ordered to close, while home-growing will also be discouraged. Currently, there are roughly 20,000 legally registered shops.

Where Else is Recreational Cannabis Legal?

Uruguay

, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalise the cultivation, sale, and distribution of recreational cannabis in December 2013. 

Georgia

Georgia legalised the consumption of cannabis in July 2018. However, the recreational use of cannabis is still limited as cultivation and sale on a large scale remain a punishable offence.

Canada

The Justin Trudeau-led government in Canada legalised the recreational use of cannabis in October 2018. However, it remains a highly controlled substance and is sold only at government-licenced retailers.

Mexico

In June 2021, Mexico’s supreme court allowed adults who want to cultivate and consume cannabis to apply for permits from the country's health secretariat. Criminal penalties for possessing more than five grams or selling the drug remain in place, however.

Malta

Malta was the first European country to allow limited cultivation and possession of cannabis for personal use back in 2021.

Some other countries where the recreational use of cannabis is permitted include Germany, Luxembourg, Ecuador, Jamaica, Chile and The Netherlands among others.