Thailand Legalizes Recreational Cannabis: Public Health Concerns Arise

Thailand has become the first Asian country to legalize recreational cannabis, allowing sales, possession, and use without legal penalties. While supporters celebrate this move, concerns about its impact on public health, particularly among youth, have emerged.

Previously classified as a class-5 narcotic, cannabis was legalized for medical use in 2019. However, in June 2022, all parts of the cannabis plant were removed from the class-5 list, permitting recreational use. The lack of regulations following legalization raises worries about increased potency, frequency of use, dependence, and the risk of psychiatric disorders among youth.

Another concern is cannabis-impaired driving, especially among young and inexperienced drivers. Despite the absence of cannabis-related traffic injury data and impaired driving laws, evidence from other countries suggests that cannabis negatively affects driving performance and increases the risk of accidents.

While there are potential social equity benefits, critics argue that the new legislation lacks a comprehensive public health perspective to minimize risks. They recommend public health-oriented regulations, such as taxation, marketing restrictions, and prevention programs targeting youth.

Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are crucial to understand the public health impact of cannabis legalization in Thailand. Lessons from other countries can inform evidence-based guidelines, prevention strategies, and interventions for at-risk populations, particularly young adults. Stay informed as we track the implications of Thailand’s cannabis legalization for public health.