Thailand 2021 The Year of Cannabis and Kratom Legalization

Cannabis and kratom finally achieved legalization this year, which was viewed as an uncharacteristic liberal move by conservative Thai authorities. These once-banned herbs have made great progress in a short time, considering that alcohol and cigarettes are tightly regulated in Thailand.

On December 9, the Narcotics Code was amended to remove cannabis, hemp (marijuana) and kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) from the list of illegal drugs. Thai doctors and economists are now touting these herbs for their remarkable potential for helping patients and the economy.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, whose Bhumjaithai Party promised to legalize cannabis as a key election promise, is largely responsible for the change.

Cannabis is legal in all parts except the buds and flowers, but it can only be used in medicine and certain products such as foods and cosmetics. Cannabis for recreational use is still illegal, though there are signs this might change in the future.

Cannabis-infused dishes

Numerous farmers have already formed community-owned enterprises to grow cannabis, while big companies like JCK International are investing large sums of money and creating solid business plans to exploit this once-illegal plant. Restaurant chains such as Black Canyon offer cannabis-infused dishes to customers who are adventurous.

Many cannabis-based medicines have been added to the national drug list through Anutin’s efforts. Under the universal healthcare plan, public hospitals can prescribe cannabis remedies to patients.

Meanwhile, marijuana clinics are mushrooming across Thailand. Medical marijuana has been found to alleviate cancer and Parkinson’s disease symptoms, such as nausea, pain, and inflammation. Researchers have also reported that cannabis can slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells raised in a laboratory, though the research is still in its infancy.

City modelled after marijuana

Nakhon Phanom was named Thailand’s “Cannabis City” by Anutin on December 11. Tourism and the economy will benefit in the Northeast as cannabis is developed nationwide. During his visit to the herb’s factory, Anutin saw various snacks, beverages, and food made with the herb.

As deputy prime minister, Anutin has directed the FDA, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, and the Medical Cannabis Institute to consider ways to maximize marijuana’s value.

By 2020, Thailand is expected to join a global market worth USD20.5 billion (Bt685 billion).

The Thai government-approved medical marijuana back in 2019, but it wasn’t widely used until this year due to several laws and the outbreak of COVID-19.

However, removal from the narcotics list has led to increased public awareness and acceptance of the herb. Cannabis growers and consumers no longer have to worry about legal troubles now that complicated legal obstacles have been removed.

Kratom follow the footsteps of cannabis

Cannabis (Marijana) is following in the footsteps of kratom in Thailand. Over the past several decades, thousands of users and sellers have been jailed for using kratom, long considered a narcotic.

After the government revised the narcotics law in 2019, kratom and marijuana can now both be used for medical purposes. This year, kratom was removed from the list of controlled substances altogether and related legal penalties were nullified by the end of October, kratom was available in superstores, online stores, and markets.

There is now more than 100,000 rai of plants in Thailand or 160 square kilometres.

Kratom’s potential is now being recognized by the Industry Ministry, which is now promoting it as an economic crop. Kratom contains mitragynine, an alkaloid that acts as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller and treats diarrhoea and weight problems as well.

In addition, the herb was used successfully to help addicts withdraw from opiates.

Carabao Group, a seller of energy drinks, plans to include kratom in its line of products. However, the Kratom bill has not yet been signed into law by Parliament. The Senate amended the bill on December 14 to tighten health protections.

Both kratom and cannabis are known to have side effects despite their benefits. Authorities in Thailand are carefully regulating their consumption, realizing that rewards come with risks.