Strict rules: A signage, with warnings, is seen in front of a cannabis store at a popular tourist spot in Bangkok. — Reuters
PETALING JAYA: Its entry requirements are much easier now, and it has legalised the consumption of cannabis in food and drinks since June.
But for Malaysians heading to Thailand for a holiday and planning to try out the recreational use of cannabis, they should think again: it is not as carefree as it seems.
Medical and legal experts and tourism industry players are warning Malaysians about the consequences of consuming such products, especially upon returning home.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Human Anatomy Department neuroscientist Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas said travellers to Thailand should stay away from indulging in cannabis-infused food products.
“If you are travelling there for medicinal purposes then yes, it is more practical, but I advise against consuming marijuana recreationally there as the consequences could be severe,” he said.
Since July 1, the kingdom has allowed the sale of cannabis in food and drinks under the condition that they contain less than 0.2% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Even if these infused meals contain less than 0.2% of THC, which is less than a teaspoon, Dr Mohamad Aris explained that it could still be potent, especially for those having their maiden experience.
“This amount is still potent and can cause one to enter a mild state of euphoria.
“If consumed consistently and in large volumes, it can also cause addiction, which is dangerous,” he added.
Dr Mohamad Aris said even if one consumed it within the permitted amounts, this did not rule out the possibility of it showing up in urine tests for up to three days.
“So, imagine if you had a week-long trip to Thailand and consumed the said foods almost every day – traces of consumption could be in the system for up to a month. This is a dangerous move,” he said, noting Malaysia’s strict drug laws.
“Do your research from reputable websites to know exactly what you are getting into. At the end of the day, you are the one responsible for your well-being.”
Criminal law practitioner Samantha Chong said consuming cannabis-infused meals or drinks in Thailand could have dire legal consequences.
“Malaysians travelling there for this purpose should not think they can freely do so without escaping the long arm of the law back home.
“Traces of usage can in fact be found in one’s urine for between three and 30 days depending on the amount consumed.
“This leaves a high probability of detection in case you have to undergo a urine test,” she said, adding that those suspected of consumption could be arrested, tested, remanded and charged.
Although drug use is not an extraterritorial offence, Chong said those who consumed such products in Thailand and had their urine test in Malaysia show up positive, could be charged under Section 15 (1) (a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Section 37(k) of the Act also states that an individual will be presumed to have used drugs if their urine tests positive for a dangerous drug, until the contrary is proven.
Failing to rebut the presumption could lead to the person being convicted and sentenced to a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
She added that the cut-off values for urine tests detecting cannabis would be at 50 nanogrammes per millilitre for the initial screening and 15 nanogrammes per millilitre for the second, confirmatory test.
“Overall, however, the risks of consuming the drugs there are high, regardless of the amount, as it can result in jail time, a criminal record and you subsequently risk losing your job if found guilty,” said Chong.
Penang Tourist Guides Association immediate past president Chin Poh Chin said Thailand had been the preferred travel destination, especially among Penangites, due to its quarantine-free travel regulations.
“As guides or tour leaders, our role entails warning tourists of the dos and don’ts of any country prior to entry.
“Similarly, we can only tell them of the various implications of partaking in such activities and the consequences they can face upon returning to Malaysia,” she said.
Writer B. Mah, who visited Bangkok last month, said he saw a number of cannabis or ganja cafes there.
“These cafes were quite crowded,” he said, adding however that he did not give it a try as his wife forbade him from doing so.
He also found the widespread sale of cannabis-infused products such as chewing gum, cakes and cookies.
Despite such “openness” in Thailand, he said the laws were strict as well.
“Signs were everywhere that you can’t smoke a joint in public places,” he said.
A Bernama report last month quoted Perlis police chief Datuk Surina Saad as saying that police would take action against anyone bringing in cannabis into Malaysia even if it was only found in small amounts in foodstuff and drinks.
Between January and June, 178,368 Malaysians travelled to Thailand, making them the second largest group of visitors after India.
