In a landmark move, Thailand has recently decriminalized the cultivation and possession of marijuana. However, the government continues to maintain a ban on its recreational use. This revolutionary development marks Thailand as the first nation in South-East Asia, a region known for its strict drug regulations, to make such a move. Cannabis has a longstanding history in Thailand where it is commonly used in traditional medicines, largely due to its year-round tropical climate.
Underlying Motives Behind Legalization
Thailand aims to gain a competitive edge in the booming market for health treatments using cannabis derivatives, specifically Cannabidiol (CBD). The move is also viewed as an effort to alleviate the problem of overcrowding in the country’s jails. With the legalization of cultivating the plant, the police are now unlikely to arrest people merely for possession of marijuana. The Thai government hopes that fostering a local cannabis trade will provide a boost to agriculture and tourism sectors, thereby contributing to the state’s income significantly.
Marijuana: An Overview
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It is typically used for medical, recreational, and religious purposes. Consumption methods vary including smoking, vaporization, food incorporation, or extraction. Effects can range from a “high” or “stoned” feeling to increased appetite, with short-term side effects such as memory impairment, dry mouth, and red eyes. Long term side effects may involve addiction and mental health problems.
Regulation Status in India
In India, the state excise departments regulated the sale of cannabis until 1985. However, the enactment of The Narcotic Drugs and Psychoactive Substances (NDPS) Act in the same year led to a ban on large-scale commercial operations involving cannabis. While CBD oil manufacturing is licensed and some Indian websites do sell it, a prescription is required for purchase.
The Debate: Legalization VS Criminalization
The issue of marijuana legalization and criminalization is often intensely debated.
Legalization supporters argue that this would curb crime, decrease health risks compared to alcohol, acknowledge cultural and historical significance, and provide business opportunities. For instance, the global market value of legal marijuana is more than USD 7 billion, with predictions of reaching USD 31 billion by 2021. Moreover, in terms of health risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested that cannabis poses less severe threats to public health compared to alcohol and tobacco, both of which are legally available.
On the other hand, opponents of legalization highlight the potential for marijuana to trigger psychosis, its status as a gateway drug, organ damage implications, and the challenges of enforcing regulations.
A Look Ahead
Despite current prohibitive measures, the availability and usage of marijuana remain widespread. Given the risks that cannabis poses, legal regulation appears to be a rational approach. Instead of entrusting the trade to an unregulated criminal market, the production, packaging, testing, and selling of the drug could be managed by competent farmers, facilities, and vendors respectively. Furthermore, implementing a tax on cannabis sales could generate additional state revenue. This fund could potentially be directed towards educating the public about the risks associated with cannabis use.
