Thailand to Reclassify Cannabis as Narcotic by End of 2024, Reversing Decriminalization

May 8, 2024, 06:20 PM

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced plans to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic by the end of 2024, reversing the country's previous policy of decriminalization. This decision comes two years after Thailand became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalize cannabis. The move is expected to have significant impacts on small businesses and the recreational industry, which had flourished under the decriminalization policy. The government cites concerns about lack of regulation, increased availability to children, and a rise in related crimes as key reasons for this policy shift.