Thailand to launch recreational cannabis sandbox

Thailand's FDA is speeding up the enactment of a cannabis law, and recreational cannabis sandboxes are being considered.

As always, the announcements from Thai officials are surprising. Not long ago, they wanted rich tourists; now, they want to attract pot smokers!

See: Thailand Welcomes You Back, But Only If You're 'Upscale'

Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accelerated the implementation of the Cannabis Act, which allows the planting and cultivation of cannabis plants at home for medical treatment.

Additionally, Thai authorities are reportedly considering including a Sandbox for "recreational" cannabis.

As a reminder, the term "Sandbox" is used in Thailand mainly for tourism and refers to activities (currently mainly related to tourism) which would only be authorized in certain provinces, districts or places.

FDA Secretary General Dr. Paisan Dankhum revealed on January 24 that the draft includes 10 sections and 52 articles.

The crucial reason for this acceleration is that the FDA now recognizes cannabis and hemp as medicinal plants and economic crops, but they are not technically legal in terms of the legal system, which has led to disputes between growers, law enforcement, and health officials.

The administration wanted to utilize the best parts of these plants in the fields of traditional and modern medicine by extracting portions to manufacture various products such as medicines, cosmetics, food, clothing, etc.

"However, some restrictions on marijuana misuse still need to be implemented.

For example, marijuana should be prohibited for people under 20, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Recreational sales are still considered illegal, but there are plans to create designated cannabis committee zones or "Sandbox zones."

Further information will be revealed later in the form of a ministerial regulation,” the secretary general said.

Dr. Paisan went on to say that domestic cannabis cultivation would be subject to quantity control and regulations as outlined by relevant government departments.

Registration must be completed with the provincial administration before planting, followed by random checks by the authorities.

Regarding the proposal for a "recreational cannabis zone," he said the draft would clarify specific areas for the Sandbox.

There would be age control restrictions and other regulations.

Pattaya ready to welcome marijuana lovers

Pattaya tourism operators and business owners have already expressed interest in making Pattaya a 'Cannabis Sandbox', saying it would fit the city's atmosphere and attract many tourists to Pattaya.

However, no specific areas have yet been announced as part of the proposal.

According to the FDA, the term "recreational" means using the plant for pleasure.

The exception of Sandbox areas had already been indicated in Narcotics Act No. 7 to support the upcoming changes.

The description was also broad to avoid a change in the law, which was considered complicated.

Preparation of the cannabis bill

At a cabinet meeting yesterday (January 24), Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also mentioned the legalization of cannabis and hemp and proposed that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O'-Cha chair the Narcotics Control Board committee reviewing the cannabis bill on January 25.

Mr. Anutin has been a leading proponent of marijuana legalization and has been responsible for much of the progress made in this area in recent years.

If approved, the next step will be a public hearing to be held as soon as possible, possibly by the end of February, Dr. Paisan said.

After that, the project could be modified before being proposed to the Minister of Public Health for consideration.

It would then be submitted to the Government Secretariat, which would present it to the government and the Council of State for it to be considered a law.

Source: The Pattaya News