Thailand reviews cannabis law; boosts NCD fight
Rethinking weed policy amid rising health concerns
Three years after decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand is reviewing its policy as experts warn of rising youth use, health complications, and lax regulation.
At a recent forum, health and legal experts reported that cannabis use among 18- to 19-year-olds rose from under 1% in 2019 to nearly 10% in 2022. Although rates have slightly declined since, they remain significantly higher than pre-legalization levels. Cases of psychosis and acute intoxication have also increased, with healthcare costs in 2023 exceeding 15.8 billion baht.
Nearly 18,000 licensed cannabis shops now operate nationwide, alongside many unlicensed vendors, particularly in tourist areas where enforcement is weak and age verification often lacking. International travel advisories and legal uncertainty have added pressure on Thai authorities to tighten oversight.
Critics attribute the problems to the absence of a clear regulatory framework following the 2022 decriminalization. A proposed bill under review aims to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes and introduce stricter controls.
Campaign launched to tackle NCDs
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health is intensifying efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which cause over 1,000 deaths daily and threaten both public health and economic development.
On June 16, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin chaired a meeting to advance the national NCD prevention and control plan for 2023–2027. The session concluded with the launch of the “Slim Down, Stop NCDs” campaign, aimed at reducing premature deaths linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
NCDs account for more than 400,000 deaths annually, or 81% of all deaths in Thailand. These are largely driven by lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including poor diet, inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
Some progress has been made, with reductions in smoking, sodium consumption, and alcohol intake. However, key indicators such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity remain off track. Officials stressed the need for stronger coordination across government, the private sector, and civil society.
The risk of early death from NCDs has declined slightly—from 14.8% in 2010 to 14.6% in 2022. The government’s target is to bring this down to 11.07% by 2025.
To promote implementation, a new sub-committee will oversee the rollout of the national plan, ensuring alignment with agency goals and measurable outcomes. Long-term success, officials say, will rely on collective action and encouraging individuals to take charge of their own health.
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