Sawadee Everyone,
As we bid adieu to the rollercoaster that was 2023 and tip-toe into 2024, let's dust off the old crystal ball and take a cheeky peek at what the future might hold for us cannabis aficionados in Thailand.
Top of the agenda for most is the fate of the new cannabis bill, courtesy of the Ministry of Public Health under the fresh-faced government. The Minister of Public Health, playing it cool, has hinted at not wanting to re-demonize cannabis as a narcotic but rather put a leash on recreational use. So, it seems we're more likely to see some legal nip and tuck rather than a full-blown facelift.
Expect the usual government fanfare: stern words, ominous warnings, and the media parroting these sentiments, all jazzed up with a few headline-grabbing busts of rule-flouting shops. But don't lose sleep over it; the law probably won't be as gnarly as it's hyped up to be. Remember the confusion when cannabis first got the green light and everyone thought you needed a medical card? Spoiler alert: you didn't.
The two big whispers I keep hearing are: "Too many dispensaries!" and "Think of the children!" To keep the peace, the government's likely to make cannabis a bit more hush-hush.
Translation? Getting a dispensary license might soon be as tough as finding a needle in a haystack. With over 6,000 dispensaries dotting the streets, a little thinning of the herd might not be the worst thing for those struggling to keep their doors open.
Regulations are probably going to pop up like mushrooms after rain, dictating where dispensaries can be, where you can light up, and slapping naughtier shops on the wrist. So, kiss those smoking lounges goodbye, except maybe a few quirky exceptions. Thailand's long-standing 'smoke and vape nay' stance isn't likely to do a 180 overnight.
For the green-thumbed growers, expect a similar rulebook. There's chatter about capping plant counts for personal grows. And for those who've been cheekily selling on the side, well, let's just say the law might start peeking over your garden fence.
In essence, the new laws are just giving the cops a fancier toolkit to enforce what's already there, with a sprinkle of new rules for good measure. For the average Joe or Jane, it's probably business as usual.
No whispers yet about medical marijuana cards or doctor's notes, but hey, this is Thailand – expect the unexpected.
When the dust settles, get ready for the big bucks to roll in. Businesses and investors have been playing the waiting game, but once things clear up, it's showtime. The Central Group's already got their hands dirty with weed, and how long before the CP Group (yep, the 7-11 folks) jump in with their agricultural might?
But let's not sugarcoat it – not everyone's going to ride this wave. In Phuket alone, dispensaries are popping up for sale like hotcakes. The days of slinging grams from a back-alley shack are fading fast. If you're not up for playing the business game with the big dogs, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
And finally, cannabis tourism – it's not just a pipe dream anymore. The government might be playing the three monkeys now, but once the big players start rolling out the green carpet with spa treatments and hotel experiences, you bet they'll want the TAT singing their tune.
So, there you have it – my two cents on 2024. Take it with a grain of salt, but it's where the wind seems to be blowing. Thanks for sticking with my weekly ramblings, and here's to a high-flying new year for all of us!
Stay lifted and enlightened,
Don’t forget that we’ve partnered with some dispensaries for exclusive deals available to members of this newsletter and the r/CannabisThailand sub on Reddit. Just type “Dank Deal” into the comments of any post and the AutoMod will send you the current discounts being offered.
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