BANGKOK: NEAR the grand conference halls in central Bangkok where Asian leaders will meet this week, a plethora of marijuana shops - the Thai capital's newest tourist draw - were bustling despite a controversy that threatens the growing sector.
Since Thailand decriminalised cannabis this year, shops selling homegrown and imported strains, pre-rolled joints and gummies sprang up rapidly.
New cafes with names such as MagicLeaf and High Society are located just minutes from the meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
But the proliferation of such businesses has sparked a backlash from some politicians and doctors who say the change was pushed through without regulation and are now calling for tougher rules, or even a new ban.
A cannabis regulation bill to govern cultivation, sale, and consumption has been delayed in parliament, causing confusion over just aspects will be legal.
"We’re in a vacuum," one senator, Somchai Sawangkarn, told a domestic broadcaster on Wednesday, adding that announcements by the health ministry had not curbed recreational use.
Southeast Asia has strict laws prohibiting the sale and use of most drugs, but Thailand became a major exception in June, when it dropped cannabis from its list of narcotics.
The move was spearheaded by health minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who framed marijuana as a cash crop for farmers and championed its medical use, but recreational use exploded.
Authorities later rushed through piecemeal updates to the regulation clarifying that cannabis could not be sold to children or near schools and temples.
‘SUPER HIGH’ PROFITS
Netnapa Singathit had a smoking room for a short while after opening her RG420 cannabis store in central Bangkok, but she switched to serving drinks after authorities banned such rooms.
She called for regulation that standardises quality, adding, "We are concerned about operators who are not compliant, and customers end up with bad products."
Recent weeks have brought a wave of news reports about hospitalisations and use by children.
The president of Thailand's association of forensic physicians, Smith Srisont, petitioned a court last week to re-list it as a narcotic.
"It was wrong to not have governing laws before unlocking cannabis ... it is not being used medically, but recreationally," he told reporters.
Yet with major profits to be had, many business owners are relaxed about coming changes. Anutin has ruled out recriminalisation, but supports greater regulation.
Akira Wongwan, the chief executive of a medical cannabis business, Adam Group, said profit margins for recreational cannabis were "super high".
The sector could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has estimated.
"Most people still think at least they can get the profits now, even if regulations change," said Akira.
Reuters
Thu Nov 17 2022
Jars containing marijuana are seen at Royal Queen Seeds, a cannabis shop next to the venue of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand November 17, 2022. - REUTERS
What is a sovereign wealth fund?
Sovereign wealth funds are investment vehicles owned by countries.
[COLUMNIST] Rising above Trump tariffs: How a resilient global economy outlasts US protectionism
The current alarm over Trumps tariff threats overlooks a key point: global markets are resilient and adaptable.
Khazanah reports RM5.1 billion operating profit for 2024
Khazanah records RM103.6 billion NAV in 2024, driven by strong domestic investments and strategic growth.
Washington, DC officials identify 66 of 67 victims of midair collision
Work continues by the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the airplane wreckage from the Potomac River.
Government to further strengthen ASEAN's readiness in finalising DEFA
Malaysia is focusing on two main approaches to facilitate the DEFA negotiation, says Liew Chin Tong.
Trade war will not hinder Malaysia’s GDP growth for 2025 - Rafizi
The finance ministry has projected Malaysia's GDP to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 per cent in 2025.
Trump administration considers adding Shein, Temu to 'forced labor' list, Semafor reports
The move comes after China imposes targeted tariffs on US imports and warnings of possible sanctions against firms like Google.
Thailand to cut power to Myanmar border areas linked to scam centres
Evidence shows transnational crime syndicates in Myanmar's Tachileik, Myawaddy, Payathonzu, that are possible power cut targets.
Trump reimposes 'maximum pressure' on Iran, aims to drive oil exports to zero
Trump signs the presidential memorandum reimposing Washington's tough policy on Iran that was practiced throughout his first term.
FACTBOX: Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza
Here are some remarks that US President Donald Trump made and questions that he answered during a press conference.
Singapore passes law against foreign interference in race-based organisations
Under the Racial Harmony Bill, race-based groups must disclose foreign and anonymous donations, affiliations, and leadership.
Malaysia, Uzbekistan agree to elevate ties to strategic partnership
Malaysia and Uzbekistan noted active cooperation on key issues within international bodies, especially the UN and OIC.
Musk's dad says he arranged son's call with South African leader
Trump's post claiming South Africa is "confiscating land" and mistreating "certain classes" triggers sudden flurry of backdoor diplomacy.
Israel PM Netanyahu says peace with Saudi Arabia is achievable
I think peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible, I think it's going to happen, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump says UN has to 'get its act together,' UN pushes back
US President Donald Trump criticises the United Nations as "not being well run".
Police use latest tech to assist in renewed investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's case
Police says the technology could produce a clearer picture of the location where Teoh Beng Hock was found dead 15 years ago digitally.
Family of American killed on Malaysian Airlines flight can sue Russian bank, US court rules
The flight was shot down over DPR-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people on board.
FLOODCOM: M'sia's first floating flood disaster command centre using nuclear technology
The floating flood disaster command centre incorporates nuclear technology to accelerate emergency response and coordination during floods.
Saudi Arabia says it won't establish ties with Israel without creation of Palestinian state
Saudi Crown Prince affirms kingdom's stance in a "clear, explicit manner" with no room for interpretation, says foreign ministry.
What are five new critical metal exports restricted by China?
China announced sweeping export restrictions targeting five metals used across defence, clean energy and other industries.