Cannabis in Thailand

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In Thailand, cannabis, known by the name ganja, is listed as a class-5 narcotic under the Narcotics Act, B.E. 2522 (1979).

History[edit]

Cannabis appears to have been introduced to Thailand by the Indians, with the similarity of the Thai term kancha to the Indian term ganja cited as evidence.[1]

Prior to 1979, the possession, sale, and use of cannabis was criminalised by the Cannabis Act, B.E. 2477 (1935).[2]

Enforcement[edit]

Possession, cultivation, and transport (import/export) of up to 10 kg cannabis may result in a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and/or a fine. Possession, cultivation, and transport of more than 10 kg is punishable by 2–15 years in prison and/or a fine. For the majority of people arrested for simple possession of small quantities of cannabis ("ganja") a fine, rather than prison time, is imposed. Narcotics police in Thailand currently view methamphetamines (ice and "ya ba") as a more serious issue.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Vera Rubin (1 January 1975). Cannabis and Culture. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 64–. ISBN 978-3-11-081206-0. 
  2. ^ "พระราชบัญญัติกันชา พุทธศักราช ๒๔๗๗" (PDF). Royal Thai Government Gazette. 52: 339–343. 5 May 1935. Retrieved 6 December 2016. 
  3. ^ Eric Blair (2001), History of Marijuana Use and Anti-Marijuana Laws in Thailand, retrieved 2015-08-27