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Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to
decriminalize cannabis, initially for medicinal use and research
in 2018, then for general growing and consumption in 2022.
The move has spawned an industry projected to be worth up to
$1.2 billion by next year, as tens of thousands of cannabis
shops spring up along with marijuana-themed spas, restaurants
and festivals.
Critics say piecemeal rules were rushed out and adopted within a
week of decriminalization.
"Without the law to regulate cannabis it will be misused,"
Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said, referring specifically to
recreational use.
"The misuse of cannabis has a negative impact on Thai children,"
he said.
(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by
Kanupriya Kapoor)
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