Thai PM Pitches $16 Billion Cash Handout to Revive Economy
TimeAPR 2023
Thailand To Ban Recreational Cannabis Use by Year-End
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The Spin
Narrative A
It was time to crack down on cannabis, which has been poorly regulated since its legalization nearly two years ago. Moreover, its recreational use has not only caused drug-fueled violence and substance abuse issues among young people, including children, but it has also substantially increased people seeking treatment for cannabis-related psychological issues. Thailand must drive the economy, but not at the expense of public health.
Narrative B
Banning the recreational use of cannabis would hugely impact tourism as well as hurt the growing multi-billion-dollar industry, and leave small business owners and farmers without a livelihood. Also, because the move would be impractical to implement given how big the industry has grown, the government must call for more discussion on the best way to control a traditional herb or fix lax enforcement of existing regulations before putting cannabis back on the narcotics list.