Cannabis in Thailand

Hippies in Thailand smoking cannabis

In Thailand, cannabis, known by the name ganja, is listed as a class-5 narcotic under the Narcotics Act, B.E. 2522 (1979).

History

Cannabis appears to have been introduced to Thailand by the Indians, with the similarity of the Thai term kancha to the Indian term ganja cited as evidence.[1]

Prior to 1979, the possession, sale, and use of cannabis was criminalised by the Cannabis Act, B.E. 2477 (1935).[2]

Regulation

Law

Possession, cultivation, and transport (import/export) of up to 10 kg cannabis may result in a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and/or a fine. Possession, cultivation, and transport of more than 10 kg is punishable by 2–15 years in prison and/or a fine. For the majority of people arrested for simple possession of small quantities of cannabis ("ganja") a fine, rather than prison time, is imposed. Narcotics police in Thailand currently view methamphetamines (ice and "ya ba") as a more serious issue.[3]

Enforcement

Cannabis can be found openly sold in bars and restaurants in certain parts of the country.[4] In tourist heavy areas cannabis is commonly found, businesses openly sell "happy" goods which have cannabis in them. Cannabis dealers do sometimes work with police who shakedown customers and demand a bribe. Many tourists do end up in jail despite the relaxed attitude.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Vera Rubin (1 January 1975). Cannabis and Culture. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 64–. ISBN 978-3-11-081206-0.
  2. ↑ "พระราชบัญญัติกันชา พุทธศักราช ๒๔๗๗" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette. 52: 339–343. 5 May 1935. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  3. ↑ Eric Blair (2001), History of Marijuana Use and Anti-Marijuana Laws in Thailand, retrieved 2015-08-27
  4. ↑ "Best Places To Smoke Or Buy Weed In Thailand". stonercircle.net.
  5. ↑ "Drugs in Thailand". tripsavvy.com.
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