Cannabis Officially Removed From Thai Narcotics List… But Recreational Use is Still Illegal

By Karissa Lund  •  27 Nov 2020 in News

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According to Malaysiakini, the Narcotics Control Board of Thailand has decided to remove cannabis plants from the list of illegal narcotics in ‘Category 5’ to allow wider use for medicinal purposes. Category 5 drugs in Thailand currently include psychoactive mushrooms and kratom/ketum.

Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Kiarttiphum Wongjit and Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, Paisan Dankhum told a press briefing that the Narcotics Control Board resolved to remove leaves, stems, stalks and roots of cannabis plants including both ‘Kancha’ (ganja) and ‘Kanchong’ (hemp) from the narcotics list.

The removal is to pave the way for more access to use cannabis for medical purposes as well as in textile, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Hemp plants will also be promoted as the new cash crops.

However, the recreational use of cannabis is still illegal.

After the board’s decision, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will propose the draft ministerial regulation to the Public Health Minister to sign and it will be published in the Royal Gazette and put into effect.

The draft ministerial regulation stipulates that cannabis plants, officially allowed to grow or be extracted in Thailand will no longer be considered as narcotics.

Despite the delisting of cannabis, permanent secretary for public health said that only government agencies and community enterprises who work with the government agencies can grow cannabis and must seek permission from the FDA.