Blogs on Teaching and Living in Thailand
Important Things New Teachers To Thailand Need To Know On The New Relaxed Rules On The Use Of Cannabis
On June 9, 2022, Thailand stunned the world by legalizing the use of recreational and medicinal cannabis.
Approximately 4,000 inmates in Thai jails for cannabis-related offenses became eligible for immediate release. Many were convicted of illegal cultivation and saw their seized cannabis-cultivating equipment given back to restart their business legally within hours.
English teachers being able to blaze up on a Thai beach is another level. Wait... not so fast! Lighting up on marijuana in public places such as schools, shopping malls and beaches is still strictly prohibited in Thailand even though the many stalls emblazoned with neon marijuana in city streets will give you a very different impression.
Cannabis sellers with foldable metal tables with rolled-up joints and cannabis-infused drinks, pizzas, curries and even soups are openly advertising and selling weed buds. This is not exactly legal. These surreal scenes while strolling down some streets in the capital, more specifically in backpackers’ heaven Khao San Road in Bangkok, will likely not last forever as new laws with regards of the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis will be debated and passed in the Thai parliament.
It is expected that in the future the sale of cannabis will become regulated with clear laws for its sale and consumption. Different government ministries continue to come out with contradictory statements. It is still an extremely confusing picture for sellers and buyers alike. There are no clear policies or laws on cannabis in Thailand currently.
Getting caught smoking a mere joint in a bar or in a public place can land you in hot water. It is deemed a “public nuisance”, thus still punishable.
Teachers who plan to grow their own cannabis plants at home are in for some serious disappointment, it isn’t legal nor will it ever be. Thailand’s society remains pretty conservative and not all Thais support the easing of the laws with regards of medicinal or recreational use of marijuana.
It is also important to know that proprietorship of cannabis extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and synthetic THC is only allowed with permission.
On a first glance, arriving in the Khao San Road area of Bangkok, it may seem that is a free for all unrestricted indulgent of the use of products made of cannabis, when in fact it isn’t.
Also, important to know is that:
. Approved cannabis health products e.g., cannabis oil, cream, powder, paste etc. are only available through certain channels in Thailand.
. Transporting cannabis seeds or parts of the plant into and out of Thailand for personal use is strictly prohibited and will get you arrested and jailed in no time.
. Food dishes containing cannabis can only be served in authorized restaurants.
. Cannabis health products that have been approved will soon only be available through certain channels only.
. It is necessary to acquire an official permit for the research, sale, export, and processing of cannabis flower buds.
Last, for the entrepreneurs amongst you, remember that cannabis cultivation is legal for Thais only. As a foreigner you will need to have a Thai business partner, or a Thai wife, someone you can trust, someone who can help you register with the Thai Food and Drug Administration’s Plook Ganja application or the government website for ganja farmers in order to obtain a permit.
You’ll also need to provide proof of financial resources, such as a bank statement or other financial documents, as well as a detailed description of the amount of cannabis you plan to cultivate. This information will be used to determine whether or not you are eligible to receive a cannabis cultivation permit in Thailand.
Once you’ve gathered all the documents and information, you’ll need to submit them to the Thai government. The permit application process can take several months to complete, so it’s important to be patient and remain in contact with the government to ensure the process is being handled in a timely manner. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a fee for the permit, which can vary based on the type of cannabis you plan to cultivate and the size of the plot.
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Blog by Weed Erman
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Note that the author of the blog is expressing personal thoughts and musings, which do not necessarily reflect those of KruTeacher. Therefore, KruTeacher.com cannot be held responsible for any potential inaccuracies that may be present in the blog.