Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced his government intends to overhaul the country's cannabis legislation within six months, limiting the drug to medical applications and shutting down recreational sales.
Thailand removed cannabis from its list of prohibited substances last year, but the updated framework permitting home cultivation for medical purposes and the use of the plant in food and cosmetics products got off to a bumpy start after vendors began openly trading cannabis across Bangkok's streets.
Authorities moved swiftly to introduce a series of new measures in response to growing concerns about unregulated consumption, including among minors.
Speaking to Bloomberg, the prime minister — who took office last month — said the drug issue had become "widespread lately" and pledged to "rectify" the situation.
He also noted that all 11 parties within Thailand's coalition government were broadly aligned on the proposed course of action.
