Thai teen detained for ‘insulting’ monarchy released after 50 days
IndependentAPR 2 2023
Thailand's current drug panic is due to the government's failure to set up a proper regulatory regime rather than anything to do with the safety of cannabis itself. After opening thousands of businesses generating millions of dollars, shutting down the cannabis industry in Thailand is unlikely to end popular consumption, but will unnecessarily damage the country's economy.
Thailand is facing a surge in drug-related crimes, and the rapid and uncontrolled spread of cannabis is certainly a part of the equation. Existing laws were openly flouted in a way that placed children and the vulnerable at risk. Keeping the drug medically available to those that need it while banning recreational use is necessary for the maintenance of civil society.