Thailand takes step toward decriminalizing marijuana

Looser rules could help key tourism sector rebuild after pandemic

20220119 Thailand marijuana

A worker in March 2021 at one of the first farms to be given permission by the Thai government to grow marijuana and sell products to medical facilities. The country looks set to loosen its cannabis rules again. © Reuters

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thailand took another step toward decriminalizing marijuana on Thursday, kicking off a key government meeting that is expected help pave the way to scrapping jail terms and fines for possessing the drug or growing it at home.

With this move, the kingdom hopes to promote its vital tourism industry, following countries such as Uruguay and Canada, where attitudes toward marijuana use are relaxed and possession of the drug is legal.

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