Massive Crackdown on Cannabis Shops in Thailand
Thailand authorities have engaged in large-scale nationwide inspections on cannabis shops.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine announced random nationwide compliance checks earlier this summer. Between June 16 and August 13, local authorities reportedly inspected a total of 5,218 out of 17,763 cannabis establishments. More than a thousand cannabis shops have been closed so far.
Authorities seized 980 kilograms of weed while shutting down 1,079 cannabis shops in a large-scale crackdown following legal changes on cannabis that aim to eliminate recreational use and protect young people, The Nation reported.
724 operators have had their licenses suspended, while 129 have had licenses revoked; 180 individuals have been prosecuted for working without a license. During the same-two-month period, 33 arrests for smuggling cannabis at airports have been reported.
New Cannabis Rules in Thailand Took Effect in June
The nationwide crackdown on cannabis shops comes after Thailand pushed through a new law for cannabis, which bans adult-use and free sales of THC-laced goods. The major setback left cannabis business entities disoriented and deeply concerned about the sudden policy shift, which also seeks to add cannabis back on the list of controlled herbal medicines.
All licensed cannabis operators will have to adapt their business practices after the hasty end of the country’s short-lived liberal approach to retail. Cannabis flower can now only be sold to patients holding a prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. Thailand has around 30,000 registered traditional medicine practitioners authorized to prescribe cannabis for medicinal uses. Prescriptions can also be obtained from modern doctors, pharmacists, and dentists.
Cannabis shop owners and employees are required to verify each prescription, carefully checking doctor registration number, diagnoses and daily dosages. Prescriptions are valid for 30 days, typically allowing one gram per day or 30 grams per month. Purchases above these limits may become subject to inspection.
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Stephen Andrews
