Bangkok Goes Full THC Ahead of APEC Summit
Picture this: the city’s shiny conference halls are humming with business talks while a whole row of buzz‑filled dispensaries buzz around the same corner. It’s like a pop‑up party for the pot‑heads of Asia‑Pacific.
What’s Happening?
- New “canna‑café” names such as MagicLeaf and High Society popped up overnight—just a few minutes walk from the APEC summit venue.
- Men and women stroll in for pre‑rolled joints, munch on gummies, or talk plants they grew themselves.
- All this, after Thailand’s 2023 decision to get rid of the “calamari law” that once shoved cannabis into the drug‑blacklist.
Politicians Are Not Happy
“We’ve stumbled into a pot‑free zone,” Senator Somchai Sawangkarn told a domestic TV channel on Wednesday, November 16. He’s not thrilled. Call it a scandal, a backlash or a panic attack—all names that fit the situation.
Why? The move was so swift that the government ran out of brain cells before it could put the proper labels on the new legal framework.
Regulation Mix‑Up
The Senate has held the bill that would regulate:
- When and where people can grow cannabis.
- Who can sell it.
- Who can use it and how much.
Until Parliament reads the fine print, everyone’s left in the dark. Meanwhile, the health ministry keeps dropping vague reminders so people still use it like they’re back in the 70s.
Some Not So Green Thoughts
- The health conscience of doctors urges regulation before the safety net cracks.
- The political circle may consider a “smoke‑free” return to the old rules.
- There are calls for tighter rules or even a strict ban for recreational users. “Let’s get this right before we unleash a pot tornado,” one elder said.
The effort was championed by Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who saw cannabis as the next rice crop for Thai farmers. He spoke passionately about medical benefits, but the worldwide spotlight tipped the scale in favor of recreational use.
Later, the authorities tried to patch the gap, saying no sales to kids, no selling near schools or temples. But who can keep track of an unruly whirlwind that no one can control?
Stay tuned. The city’s streets are still green, but the future of cannabis in Thailand is still a flavor that isn’t fully cooked.
‘Super high’ profits
Bangkok’s Cannabis Craze: From Smoke Rooms to Sip Sessions
Once a Smoking Hotspot, Now a Happy‑Hour Hub
When Netnapa Singathit launched her RG420 hemp stall in the heart of Bangkok, she briefly offered a dedicated smoking room. But after regulatory crackdowns, she pivoted to serving refreshing drinks instead.
Calls for a Smarter Regulatory System
“We’re worried about operators who skip the law, leaving customers with sub‑par products,” Netnapa warned. She’s pushing for rules that set a gold standard for quality.
Rising Concerns Bring the News to the Hospital
Recent reports have highlighted numerous hospital admissions — and even little ones who are using cannabis. These stories have amplified the debate about the drug’s safety.
Legal Push to Fingerprint Cannabis as a Narcotic
Smith Srisont, head of Thailand’s forensic physicians’ guild, filed a petition urging the court to re‑classify cannabis as a narcotic. “Releasing it without solid governing laws was a mistake,” he told reporters. “It’s mainly recreational, not medical.”
Prospects of a Boom Underregulated Cruising
Despite the looming tough tightening, many business owners feel cozy about their margins. Chief executive Akira Wongwan of Adam Group, a medical‑cannabis venture, admits that recreational profit margins are “super high.”
Market Forecasts: A Billion‑Dollar Opportunity
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates the sector could hit US$1.2 billion (S$1.7 billion) by 2025. “Most folks still believe they can reap the profits now, no matter the rule changes,” Akira added.
Regulatory Response: No Re‑Criminalisation, Just More Control
Prime Minister Anutin has denied any plans to re‑criminalise cannabis but backs tighter oversight.
Bottom Line
- Bangkok’s cannabis scene shifted from smoking rooms to cocktails.
- Calls for strict quality standards are growing louder.
- Legal experts urge re‑classifying cannabis as a narcotic.
- Business owners hold out hope for booming profit margins, expecting 2025 to close in on US$1.2 billion.
- Regulators aim for tighter controls, not a full rewind.
