Log in
Marijuana was legalized in Thailand from June 2022. This is the first time that marijuana has been legalized in Southeast Asia. Many people have seen the news about marijuana legalization and would like to know more about it.
In this article, we will explain in detail the points of interest, such as how Thailand legalized marijuana and what happens if Japanese people use marijuana there.
Thailand becomes first in Southeast Asia to legalize marijuana
The legalization of marijuana in Thailand was big news. Many people probably thought that marijuana was fully legalized. In reality, even though it was legalized, the use of marijuana was not fully approved. Smoking marijuana for recreational purposes is still prohibited in Thailand.
Here we will look at the details of marijuana legalization in Thailand, including the conditions and penalties.
Marijuana will be legal from June 9, 2022
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize cannabis when it was removed from its narcotics list on June 9, 2022. Cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical purposes in Uruguay and Canada, but the degree of regulation varies from country to country.
Although marijuana has been legalized in Thailand, it has not been fully legalized like Uruguay or Canada. Recreational smoking is still prohibited. Legalization only allows the cultivation and trading of marijuana, as well as the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
The THC content must be less than 0.2%
Cannabis contains CBD (cannabidiol), which relaxes the mind, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which gets the mind high.
Even in countries where cannabis is illegal, CBD is exempt from regulation in many countries, including Japan, whereas THC is subject to regulation in many countries, including Japan.
In Thailand, the legalization of cannabis has allowed restaurants and other establishments to serve cannabis-containing food and drinks. In that case, the THC content in the food and drinks must be less than 0.2%.
In Thailand, THC is still considered potentially dangerous and is not permitted for free consumption.
Recreational marijuana use is prohibited
Cannabis has been legalized in Thailand, including the cultivation and trade of cannabis and cannabis products, as well as the use of the plant for medical purposes. Recreational smoking and consumption of cannabis remains prohibited.
In addition, if restaurants are to serve dishes containing cannabis, they are required to disclose which dishes contain cannabis and the amount used. Furthermore, restaurants are prohibited from advertising that cannabis is useful for treating illnesses, so it can be said that the legalization of cannabis is limited.
Violation can be punishable by imprisonment or fine.
Smoking cannabis in public in Thailand is a nuisance punishable by up to three months' imprisonment or a fine of $800, or both.
The smoke and smell from burning cannabis can be harmful to human health. Smoking cannabis in public places is punishable by imprisonment and fines, as it can be harmful to those around you.
Why did Thailand legalize marijuana?
Why did Thailand legalize marijuana before other Asian countries? One of the reasons for legalizing marijuana is the economic value of marijuana. Of course, legalizing marijuana solely for economic reasons is a big risk.
Here, we will explain why Thailand decided to legalize marijuana, taking into account the risks and economic value of legalizing it.
Because we already have public health laws.
One of the concerns about the risk of legalizing marijuana is that the number of people using it for recreational purposes will increase, leading to social unrest. Even in Thailand, where marijuana has been legalized, recreational use of marijuana is not permitted and penalties are imposed.
Additionally, in Thailand, the Public Health Act prohibits the following:
- Selling marijuana to anyone under the age of 20
- Using cannabis in public
- Commercializing cannabis without government approval, etc.
Even if marijuana is legalized in Thailand, restrictions under public health laws will not disappear.
The Thai government has decided that legalizing marijuana will not lead to an increase in the number of people using it for recreational purposes.
To become a plant that supports the national economy
Marijuana, which is also used for medical purposes, is expected to have many benefits. The Thai government considers marijuana to be a product of great economic value, and believes it has the potential to generate as much as $1.5 billion in value.
In other words, while recreational use of cannabis is prohibited, if commercialization is carried out in the right direction, it is believed that cannabis could become a plant that supports the national economy in Thailand.
Even though cannabis was legalized in Thailand, there are laws such as public health laws that prevent the spread of recreational cannabis use, and it can be said that cannabis was legalized in order to take advantage of its economic value.
What happens if a Japanese person uses marijuana in Thailand?
How will the legalization of marijuana in Thailand affect Japanese people? In fact, this case will not change the regulations for Japanese people. This is because the provisions of Japan's Cannabis Control Act apply not only when you are in Japan but also when you are abroad.
Here we will explain in detail the regulations regarding Japanese people using cannabis overseas and the medical use of cannabis.
Even if used outside of Japan, it is subject to the Cannabis Control Act.
In Japan, the Cannabis Control Act prohibits the possession, cultivation, and transfer of cannabis. On the other hand, the use of cannabis is not subject to regulation under the Cannabis Control Act. Since use is a prerequisite for possession, it is possible to be punished for possession.
The Cannabis Control Act is subject to the overseas crimes provision, so the law also applies if a crime is committed overseas. The overseas crimes provision means that some crimes are applied even if they are committed outside of Japan.
In other words, the Cannabis Control Act applies outside of Japan. Even if cannabis is legalized in Thailand, Japanese law will still apply and you may be subject to punishment under the Cannabis Control Act.
If it's a medical or health-related product, there's no problem.
As a premise, the use of cannabis for medical purposes is also prohibited in Japan. If the Cannabis Control Act is also applied overseas, it is conceivable that the use of cannabis for medical purposes will also be prohibited even if you are overseas.
In reality, the use of medical marijuana overseas is not punishable as long as the correct procedures are followed. This is because in countries where medical marijuana is legal, the use of marijuana as prescribed by a doctor is considered to be a "legitimate reason."
It is believed that the Cannabis Control Act does not prohibit the use of cannabis if there is a "legitimate reason," so there is no problem if the use is for medical purposes, which is recognized as a "legitimate reason."
summary
Although marijuana has been legalized in Thailand, recreational use is still prohibited and the ban has not been lifted completely.
Thailand has taken the step of legalizing marijuana, recognizing its economic value, and it is possible that similar moves will emerge in other Asian countries in the future.
It is important to note that even as cannabis becomes more legal, regulations for Japanese people will not change. Japan's Cannabis Control Act applies overseas, so anything that is prohibited in Japan is also prohibited overseas. Be careful not to think that cannabis use is permitted in countries where it is legal.
Furthermore, CBD products are not subject to the Cannabis Control Act, so they can be used safely in Japan.
If you are interested in CBD products, check out the skew website.