Thailand’s move to legalise cannabis emerges as an election issue

• Cannabis was legalized in Thailand in 2022 – namely allowing its possession, cultivation, distribution, consumption, and sale. The national parliament was dissolved ahead of Thailand’s general election on May 14, before a Cannabis Act could be enacted.
• While the majority of leading candidates are clear that more regulations are required to control the industry, how that looks and how it will be done varies.
• Prime ministerial candidate for Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, while open to cannabis being grown and used in a controlled fashion, wants it placed back on the narcotics list so it can be better controlled.
• Pheu Thai Party originally voted in favour of legalising cannabis but has turned its sights on tightening the drug policy during the campaign period.
• It was the BJT, under the leadership of deputy prime minister and public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul that ushered in the legalisation of cannabis.
• Political watchers in Buriram, the “cannabis capital” of the country, expect the BJT Party to dominate the local results when the polls close on 14 May.
• While national dynamics suggest a tight contest between it and Pheu Thai Party in many areas, locals are expected to again elect BJT candidates who have served them in the previous parliament.

External Link : https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thai-general-election-marijuana-weed-cannabis-farmers-political-parties-divisive-topic-3472641