Thai Public Health Department and Police Warn Cannabis Users Against Recreational Use on 4/20 Day

Thailand –

Thailand’s public health department as well as law enforcement have warned cannabis users against recreational use on the “World Weed Day” of April 20th.

Doctor Attaphon Kaewsamrit, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Health, told TPN media that today (April 20th) is the World Weed Day, known as 4/20, often celebrated heavily in American states and some other countries where cannabis is legal for recreational use.

However, the Thai Department of Health is warning people and operators to be careful when joining or holding activities in celebrating the day as they are against current regulations around cannabis in Thailand.

Cannabis should be used for medical purposes only and should be under the strict control of a doctor or medical professional, said Attaphon. Recreational use of marijuana is prohibited, he added.

Smoking weed also causes a distinct odor and smoke which might disturb the public according to the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement.

The fine for causing a public disturbance is up to 25,000 baht, being imprisoned for up to 3 months, or both. Smoke is also dangerous for one’s health in which small particles can cause issues in one’s lungs by inhaling. This may lead to lung diseases, asthma and bronchitis, said Attaphon.

Cannabis was decriminalized last year, notes TPN media, but the final laws designed to regulate the herb have been held up by months of infighting in Thai Parliament over the legalization of the plant, with supporters and opponents having polarizing views and opinions of what the regulations should be.

As a result, laws controlling the use of the plant are not yet finalized and likely will not be until Thailand elects its new government on May 14th. The Department of Public Health has enacted regulations and policies to attempt to fill the gap in the meantime.

TPN media has recently conducted an educational visit to reputable medical cannabis provider FRESH MEDIQ in Pattaya which can be found here and is a licensed, legal provider of cannabis under doctor’s care that meets Public Health Department requirements. They also helped clear up a significant amount of misinformation around cannabis and you can learn more with the link above.

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The TPN National News, owned by our parent company TPN media.

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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for more than four years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.