Medical marijuana in Thailand is not something you expect to be legal. Firstly, because Asia is notoriously strict on marijuana use.
In Malaysia (only up until one month ago), possession and/or selling of the drug could cost you your life. South Korea and Japan have forbidden their emigrated citizens to use cannabis even in jurisdictions where it is legal—such is their contempt for it.
And Thailand is one of the strictest of all; illegal possession or trafficking of cannabis is subject to the death penalty.
So is it contradictory that this same country is set to become the first in Asia to move ahead with plans to legalize marijuana? Will we soon have medical marijuana in Thailand as a legal industry?
It's a rather poignant move.
Medical Marijuana in Thailand
The country wants a part of the multi-billion dollar cannabis industry estimated to reach $55.8 billion by 2025. Hailed as some of the best in the world, Thailand's cannabis puts the country in a prime position to take advantage of the burgeoning market. Also, it can produce it at a fraction of the cost that western suppliers can.
Now, a newly drafted bill will make Thailand the first country in Asia to legalize medical marijuana.
New Bill for Medical Marijuana in Thailand
A bill to legalize medical cannabis has been submitted to the National Legislative Assembly.
The chairman of the NLA’s standing committee of public health, Jet Sirathraanon, confirmed the news earlier today.
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However, recreational marijuana use will still be highly illegal and severe penalties for drug trafficking are staying the same.
Will Thailand Start a Trend?
Driven by the huge revenue-generating potential that the legal production of cannabis could provide for the country, Mr. Sirathraanon explained how Thailand could easily become a leader within the industry.
He also spoke about the therapeutic benefits that medical marijuana in Thailand offers to ailing patients.
So in a few short weeks, Thailand might just become a leading force of high-quality medical cannabis. Will this move spur on other Asian countries to change their anti-cannabis sentiment?
Featured Image: Depositphotos/© Observer
