Thailand's Prime Minister Announces Plans to Recriminalize Cannabis

The move reverses a 2022 decision that had liberalized cannabis laws, sparking industry growth and widespread use.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin targets a complete recriminalization of cannabis by end of 2024, affecting nearly 8,000 dispensaries.
Proposed changes to categorize cannabis as a 'category five' narcotic, restricting its use to medical purposes only.
Local entrepreneurs and cannabis businesses prepare for legal battles and street protests in response to the policy shift.
Economic concerns arise as the reversal could destabilize the burgeoning industry valued at over $1 billion.
Recent legalization of medical opium and psilocybin mushrooms contrasts with the strict stance on cannabis.