Thailand to ban recreational cannabis use by end of 2024, says health minister

BANGKOK — Thailand will ban the recreational use of marijuana by the end of 2024, but continue allowing its use for medical purposes, the health minister told Reuters in an interview.

Thailand became the first country in South-east Asia to decriminalise cannabis, initially for medicinal use in 2018, then for recreational use in 2022.

The move has spawned an industry projected to be worth up to US$1.2 billion (S$1.6 billion) by 2025, as tens of thousands of cannabis shops sprung up along with marijuana-themed spas, restaurants and festivals.

Critics say piecemeal rules were rushed out and adopted within a week of decriminalisation.

Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, referring to recreational use, said: "Without the law to regulate cannabis, it will be misused.

"The misuse of cannabis has a negative impact on Thai children."

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