Thailand, the first south-east Asian country to legalize medical cannabis in 2018, is set to become the first Asian country to decriminalise recreational cannabis for personal use.
Thailand's Drug and Food Administration has proposed removing cannabis (which is known locally as ganja) from a list of controlled drugs, Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.
Under the new regulations, people will be allowed to grow cannabis plants at home for personal use after notifying their local regional authorities. Cannabis used for commercial purposes, however, will require further licenses.
But anyone planning to grow or smoke cannabis should be patient as the new law is not in effect yet.
The Bangkok Post reported that the law will be implemented 120 days after it’s been announced in the Royal Gazette.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said: "Just hold your horses for the time being."
"Until the law is cleared, caution should be exercised," he said. "It isn't something that can be done freely."
Image: Alex Alexander Scop.io
