In a resolute effort to steer cannabis usage down a medical path, Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has unveiled a comprehensive set of regulations, restricting the sale of cannabis flowers strictly for medical purposes. These new guidelines, introduced today, May 23, by DTAM’s director-general, Somruek Chungsaman, address three critical facets aimed at curbing recreational misuse while bolstering legitimate medical treatments.
The pivotal amendment mandates that cannabis flower sales are confined to patients who possess prescriptions from accredited medical professionals. These professionals span a spectrum including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, as well as practitioners of traditional and folk medicine. Each prescription allows for a maximum acquisition of 30 grams of cannabis flowers over a period of 30 days, striking a chord with typical medical dosages—averaging about 1 gram per day. Somruek elucidated, “By implementing this 30-day limit, we draw a clear line distinguishing medical practice from recreational indulgence.” The revised regulations will distinctly outline the medical uses for cannabis alongside dosage restrictions for each prescription.
On another note, the director-general of DTAM now wields the authority to deny the renewal of licenses to any business previously found guilty of violations such as selling to underage customers or maintaining inadequate sales records. These licenses, crucial for retail and export undertakings, are subject to renewal every three years. Presently, the country has bestowed over 17,000 licenses nationwide. This regulatory framework signifies a calculated stride toward streamlining legitimate commercial activity and stamping out illegal practices.
Furthermore, cannabis cultivation and export practices must now comply with the rigorous Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards, drawing inspiration from the EU’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. As the majority of cannabis flowers are consumed through inhalation, ensuring consumer safety is paramount. Growers are obliged to implement vigilant soil and water management techniques to thwart contamination by harmful heavy metals. As of present, 47 cultivation sites have achieved GACP certification, largely operated privately with a focus on export markets. DTAM is promoting wider adoption of GACP certification among cultivators, which necessitates the submission of flower samples for laboratory testing, a process usually completed in about a month if compliance is met, as reported by The Nation.
Somruek mentioned, “We are opening up the revised draft notification on cannabis for a 15-day public consultation period. Following this, a committee will meticulously review feedback, with a view to finalize the regulations by the close of June.” This development is indeed a landmark leap toward safer, more accountable medical cannabis usage within Thailand while simultaneously striking at the root of illegal sales and abuse.
In other news echoing from across Thailand, stories brimming with intrigue abound. From the curious case of a giant python greeting an unsuspecting man in his toilet bowl, to the daring escape of ‘Spider-Man’ thieves foiled on a rooftop, there’s never a dull moment. Meanwhile, acts of kindness shine through darker times, as seen when a generous abbot in Chon Buri extended a helping hand to a starving grandmother and teenager. Such eclectic tales reflect the diversity and vibrancy of life across the Land of Smiles.
As Thailand turns a new leaf in cultivating a more structured and safer framework for medical cannabis, one can only anticipate how this evolving landscape will shape the nation’s narrative in both healthcare and legal realms. The journey is just beginning, and with each stepping stone laid, Thailand strides closer towards ensuring cannabis is a boon rather than a bane.
I think these new regulations are necessary. It’s crucial to ensure cannabis is used appropriately and not abused.
But doesn’t this make it harder for people who genuinely need cannabis for pain relief to access it?
True, but I believe the intention is to prevent misuse. As long as there’s a legitimate prescription, access shouldn’t be an issue.
I agree with you, Alex. Recreational users can ruin it for those who really need it medically.
This seems like a money grab to me. The government just wants to control the market.
I’m glad they’re focusing on medical use, but what about the people who use it for wellness? They benefit too.
Wellness use isn’t really recognized here legally. Maybe in time, they’ll see the broader benefits.
It’s all about the science proving those benefits. Until then, it’s tough to justify non-medical use legally.
From a medical standpoint, this is a step toward ensuring cannabis is used safely and effectively.
If it’s for patients with prescriptions only, I’m okay with that. But how strict will they be with the enforcement?
It’s Thailand; enforcement can be hit or miss. Let’s see how things play out.
These laws will hopefully make it safer for patients. There are too many unregulated products on the market as is.
I was hoping they’d open up for recreational use. It’s legal in other countries, why not here?
Legalizing recreational use is a complex issue. Medical is just a safer starting point.
Seems like over-regulation to me. Let people decide for themselves how they want to use cannabis.
I’m concerned that this could open doors for corruption if businesses have to constantly renew licenses.
That’s always a risk, but the idea is to weed out (pun intended) the bad actors.
I wonder how this will impact small growers. Could be hard for them to meet GACP standards.
The public consultation period is crucial. It gives everyone a chance to voice their thoughts.
At least they’re allowing cultivation sites to meet global standards; that’s promising.
This could pave the way for more international partnerships if Thai cannabis meets EU standards.
As long as there’s transparency and accountability in the process, these regulations could be a model for other countries.
Yeah, but the problem is always in the implementation. They say one thing but do another.