Thailand's cannabis industry faces turmoil due to new regulations requiring prescriptions for recreational purchases, enacted to enhance public safety. Thousands of shops that opened following legalization now confront compliance challenges, with fears of closures increasing. The re-criminalisation comes after the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew from the ruling coalition. Entrepreneurs like Natthakan Punyathanaworakit express that the changes may unfairly disadvantage smaller businesses, driving them underground. Health officials argue that these changes aim to protect young people from cannabis access.
The new government rules imposed in June have re-criminalised cannabis for recreational use, creating chaos within Thailand's $1 billion cannabis industry and forcing shops to scramble for compliance.
Mandatory prescriptions for cannabis purchases could lead to many shops closing, pushing the industry underground, according to cannabis shop owner Natthakan Punyathanaworakit.
Health minister Somsak Thepsutin stated that the reforms are intended to improve public safety and protect young people, despite the backlash from cannabis shop owners.
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