Thailand just approved medical cannabis for the entire country. One of Thailand’s key lawmakers called the vote a “New Year’s gift for the people of Thailand.” Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical cannabis. Currently, this region of the world has some of the harshest penalties for drug possession or use. Unlike other entities that postpone important dates regarding cannabis legalization or cry out the words, more research is needed Thailand’s Parliament amended the Narcotic Act of 1979 this past Tuesday before Christmas.
Extra Parliament Session Says Yes to Cannabis
Thailand’s Parliament even held an extra-Parliamentary session that was specially designated to push certain bills through Parliament before the beginning of the New Year’s holiday. The amendment will become official law once it is published in the government gazette. Under the new law, medical cannabis patients in Thailand will be allowed to carry specific amounts of cannabis required for medical purposes as long as they have a prescription or recognized certificate. All license regarding sales and production of cannabis will be overseen strictly by the Thailand government.
A Widely Misunderstood Plant Has Led to Stories That Shouldn’t Have to be Told
Cannabis is a plant that is widely misunderstood. Thanks to over eight decades of negative anti-cannabis propaganda the plant has been demonized. In 2018 a Malaysian man was sentenced to death because he sold cannabis oil. A British man currently faces 15 years of prison time on the Island of Bali for having cannabis oil in his possession. In the United States Bernard Noble sits in prison for having a couple of joints.
These are stories that don’t need to be stories. Instead of trying to control the health and well-being of individuals countries are opting to end their outlandish draconian stance on cannabis prohibition. Many congratulations to Thailand and a huge thank you for everyone that made this day a reality!
