Thailand Prepares to Legalize Medical Cannabis, Pioneering in Asia

Thailand is on the brink of a historic shift as it prepares to legalize medical cannabis, positioning itself as the first Asian nation to partially legalize the drug. The Thai military government has approved amendments to existing drug laws, allowing for research into the therapeutic effects of cannabis. These amendments are currently under discussion in the National Legislative Assembly and are expected to be approved by April 2019

Currently, Thai laws impose severe penalties for cannabis possession, with potential prison sentences of up to 15 years. Cannabis is classified as a Category 5 narcotic, which means it is subject to strict prohibitions, even for medical use. However, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization has been a strong advocate for reform, pushing for the development of medical cannabis research and its eventual commercialization

Once the law is enacted, prominent entities like Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Pcl, Thailand's largest network of private clinics, along with various government organizations and medical companies, will be eligible to apply for licenses to conduct cannabis research. Wichai Chaimongkhon, Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board, views this legislative change as a step toward aligning Thailand with global trends in medical cannabis research, potentially benefiting patients with conditions like Parkinson's disease and cancer

The National Farmers Council is actively negotiating with the Narcotics Control Board to allocate land for cannabis cultivation. Approximately 800 hectares in the military zone of Sakon Nakhon province have been identified as suitable for this purpose due to the favorable climate. This move could help Thailand tap into the burgeoning global cannabis market, projected to reach $57 billion within the next decade

Thailand's natural advantages, such as low production costs and a tropical climate, make it an attractive location for cannabis cultivation. Historically, the country was a leading exporter of high-quality cannabis strains during the 1980s. Jim Plamondon, vice president of Thai Cannabis Corp, highlights Thailand's unique combination of medical tourism infrastructure and a regulated traditional medicine system, which positions it favorably in the global cannabis industry