"Thailand's Push to Ban Recreational Marijuana Gains Momentum"

Thailand is set to ban the recreational use of marijuana, urgently moving a bill to only allow cannabis for health and medicinal purposes, following concerns that decriminalization could lead to wider drug problems. The move comes after the drug was taken off the list of banned narcotics in 2022, prompting the proliferation of cannabis shops. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has voiced opposition to recreational use, warning of potential narcotic drug problems, and the public pressure increased after complaints of marijuana smell at a recent concert. Thailand had previously sought to capitalize on the global medical marijuana market, but the 2022 changes led to confusion about the legal status of the drug and the proliferation of cannabis "dispensaries."