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[Source<\/a>]<\/p>\n Thailand will be cracking down on recreational marijuana use due to concerns about youth drug abuse and rising crime. <\/b><\/p>\n Widespread concerns:<\/b> Thailand <\/span>became the first country<\/span><\/a> in Asia to decriminalize <\/span>marijuana<\/span><\/a> in 2022, driven by promises of economic benefits, particularly for farmers, from the Bhumjaithai Party. <\/span><\/p>\n The initial legalization has reportedly led to an under-regulated market despite intentions for marijuana to be for medical use only. <\/span>Cannabis<\/span><\/a> reportedly remains easily accessible through unlicensed establishments and online platforms, leading to a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment for cannabis-related psychological issues. The problem has stoked widespread criticism that the under-regulated market has led to issues like drug-related violence and increased youth consumption. <\/span><\/p>\n New bill proposal:<\/b> This has led Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew to <\/span>propose a bill<\/span><\/a> banning recreational use while permitting medical cannabis. The Cabinet is anticipated to endorse forwarding the draft bill to Parliament shortly, although it has not yet addressed it in its latest meeting. The preliminary version of the legislation proposes making recreational cannabis use punishable by a fine of 60,000 baht ($1,660). While the bill permits medical marijuana, specifics regarding its regulation have not been provided.<\/span><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Viral video of daughter slapped by her father after return home from Tet sparks debate<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Supporters of the bill: <\/b>All major political parties, including Bhumjaithai, pledged to restrict cannabis to medical use in their 2023 election campaigns. Kalyapat Rachitroj, a lawmaker from the opposition Move Forward Party with a medical background, said that while the plant has economic and healthcare benefits, its usage has since been abused. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe have no option but to put marijuana back to be classified as narcotics once again,\u201d Rachitroj told the Associated Press.<\/span><\/p>\n Opposers of the bill:<\/b> However, others argue against a complete rollback. Cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs oppose drastic measures, attributing problems to inadequate regulation enforcement. Rattapon Sanrak, the founder of Thailand\u2019s first legal cannabis shop, believes reclassification would be an overreaction and impractical due to the industry’s growth.<\/span><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Angela Chao, CEO of US-based shipping company Foremost Group, dead at 50<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s anyone who disagrees with the control of use for underage children,\u201d he said. \u201cSellers \u2026 also don\u2019t want to see those street vendors who sell without a license. People who don\u2019t like it, people who are users, people who operate businesses, I think these parties have to find a common ground on how to exist together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Download the NextShark App:<\/strong><\/p>\n