Thailand is giving away a million free cannabis plants to homes, but it is discouraging people from recreational use just a day after the country decriminalized it.
On Thursday, the country had decriminalized cannabis, but warned that recreational use would continue to be illegal and on Friday told its citizens they could still face harsh sanctions for breaking the law.
Thailand had become the first Southeast Asian country in 2018 to legalize the use of cannabis for medical use.
“Don’t use it and sit at home smiling and not doing any work. These are not our policies, “Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said in northeastern Buriram province, where the first 1,000 cannabis plants were distributed, Reuters reported.
Anutin said harsh sanctions will still be imposed on those who use the drug to drug themselves and warned not to smoke leeks, local media reported.
Anutin was also quoted as saying by CNN that he hoped that the legal production of cannabis would boost the economy, but added that “we still have regulations under the law that control the consumption, smoking or use of cannabis products in ways not productive. “
Those who break the law will face harsh penalties under the Public Health Act, which include up to three months in prison and a $ 800 fine for smoking cannabis in public.
“We have always emphasized the use of cannabis extracts and raw materials for medical and health purposes,” the Health Minister said. “There’s never been a time when we thought about advocating for people to use cannabis in terms of recreation, or to use it in a way that might irritate others.”
He added: “Thailand will promote cannabis policies for medical purposes. Yes [tourists] come to get medical treatment or come to get health related products, then it is not a problem, but if you think you want to come to Thailand just because you have heard that cannabis or marijuana is legal … (or) come to Thailand to smoke leeks freely, that’s bad … Don’t come. We will not welcome you if you come to this country for this purpose. “
The Minister of Health said that “we have removed the stigma, it is being washed like removing a tattoo. Don’t let him come back. “
With about a third of its workforce engaged in agriculture, Thailand has long been trying to promote cannabis as a commercial crop.
Local media said the distribution of cannabis plants will allow residents to grow medical-grade marijuana for their own personal use or as part of a small-scale commercial enterprise. However, large-scale companies will still need government clearances.
Cannabis cultivation at home in Thailand was reportedly required to register with the government’s smartphone app called PlookGanja.
Anutin said more than 300,000 people had signed up for the app, which had millions of downloads from people who wanted to learn more about cannabis.
With additional agency reports
