Thailand unveils new Bill to regulate cannabis while keeping it legal

Under the draft legislation, cannabis or its extracts will be allowed for medical treatment and research by state agencies. - PHOTO: AFP

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand has proposed a new bill to regulate its cannabis industry and restrict marijuana uses to primarily health and medical purposes, the latest effort to rein in recreational smoking after several policy u-turns.

Under the draft legislation, cannabis or its extracts will be allowed for medical treatment and research by state agencies besides its use in herbal, food and cosmetic products. The new bill was published earlier this week by the Ministry of Public Health, just days after the new administration of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took office.