Revellers on cloud nine at cannabis festival as Thailand relaxes law

People listen to bands as they gather to celebrate the legalization of cannabis at the “Thailand 420: Legalaew!” weekend festival hosted by Highland in Nakhon Pathom province on June 11, 2022. - AFP

NAKHON PATHOM (Thailand), June 13, 2022 (AFP): The pungent smell of smoke was unmistakable as revellers celebrated under the stars at a major Thai cannabis festival following the kingdom's decision to begin relaxing the laws around the drug.

Thailand has long been known for its tough drug laws, but the government has steadily liberalised them in recent years and on Thursday the plant came off the banned narcotics list, decriminalising cultivation and possession.