How Thailand's Cannabis legalization is Affecting Tourism

Many people are critical of Thailand's decision to legalize recreational cannabis usage before solid measures against its abuse have been implemented.

On June 9, Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize all aspects of the cannabis industry, including trade, production, distribution, consumption, and possession. After registering with the government through a smartphone app, anyone can cultivate the plant at home. However, professional farmers must still apply for permits.

As the plan's chief proponent, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has encouraged the recreational use of marijuana by highlighting the plant's medicinal benefits and economic possibilities. Anyone caught smoking cannabis in public remains subject to charges of causing a "nuisance," a fine of up to $704, and a jail sentence of up to three months, as his ministry advises. 

An increasing number of weed enthusiasts and interested spectators are perusing businesses and markets offering various cannabis products since cannabis was decriminalized in Thailand this past June. Reopening the country's borders to the rest of the globe is a policy shift that could increase tourism. However, the health minister of Thailand cautions visitors that this does not constitute an open invitation to travel to the nation just for smoking joints.

 On June 9, 2022, Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize the production and sale of hemp products, effectively ending a nearly century-long prohibition on cannabis use. Potential cultivators flocked to the Thai government's site in the wake of the news, with the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand reporting that over a million people have registered on the portal seeking license to cultivate cannabis.

There is an abundance of new health and well-being products on the market.

Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand told CNN that the country might gain $2 billion (RM9 billion) in five years by legalizing cannabis. The agricultural industry, in particular, stands to benefit. Is it possible that the new regulations will also help the tourism sector?

The Thailand health minister stresses that the new rules are for health and medical purposes and that there will be age restrictions and limits on the concentration of active components in edibles and other consumer items. However, several shops in Bangkok and abroad began selling cannabis-infused products within weeks. On the other hand, businessman Tom Kruesopon told the BBC that the new cannabis legislation in Thailand might significantly influence tourism, particularly if people travel there for cannabis-related therapies.

When the travel ban due to the Covid-19 virus was lifted, and the country was reopened to tourists, the new policy went into effect simultaneously. As of late, we've seen a rise in visits, but it's still nowhere like before the outbreak. According to government figures, the number of tourists reached 1.58 million in the second quarter of 2022, and between 5 and 15 million foreigners are predicted to visit the country that year. This is a far cry from the 40 million visitors in 2019.

There look to be some gray areas in Thailand's cannabis laws, but new legislation is on the horizon to help clear things up.