Thalang District authorities have taken decisive action against the illegal operation of cannabis shops, resulting in the arrest of two people and the suspension of three cannabis licenses. Bancha Tanuin, the Thalang District Chief, told Thai media that an inspection of cannabis shops in the area was conducted by relevant officials over the weekend.
Cannabis shops have been popping up in popular retail areas at an alarming rate since the Thai government delisted the drug as a ‘narcotic’ last year. No legislation has yet been been passed to provide a legal framework for these shops to operate.
During the inspection, it was discovered that two cannabis shops were operating without the required licenses. Consequently, the owners of these shops were apprehended and subsequently transported to the Thalang Police Station. They now face charges for “the unauthorised sale of controlled herbs, specifically cannabis buds”.
In addition to the arrests, the authorities have also suspended three cannabis shop licenses. These suspensions were imposed due to the shops being involved in the sale of cannabis in conjunction with other business activities and for engaging in the advertising of “controlled herbs”, namely cannabis. Such practices are in direct violation of the current ad-hoc regulations set by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, in the otherwise legal vacuum that persists.
The Ministry strictly prohibits any form of cannabis advertising, whether it be digital or in print. This measure is part of their comprehensive efforts to regulate and control the distribution and usage of cannabis within the country. The smoking of cannabis in a public area also remains, technically, illegal.
