Cannabis in Thailand
In Thailand, cannabis, known by the name ganja, is listed as a class-5 narcotic under the Narcotics Act, B.E. 2522 (1979).
History[edit]
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[edit]
Law[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ Vera Rubin (1 January 1975). Cannabis and Culture. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 64–. ISBN 978-3-11-081206-0.
- ^ "พระราชบัญญัติกันชา พุทธศักราช ๒๔๗๗" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette. 52: 339–343. 5 May 1935. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
- ^ Eric Blair (2001), History of Marijuana Use and Anti-Marijuana Laws in Thailand, retrieved 2015-08-27
- ^ "Best Places To Smoke Or Buy Weed In Thailand". stonercircle.net.
- ^ "Drugs in Thailand". tripsavvy.com.
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