Anti-cannabis sentiment grows in Thailand a year on from legalisation

While sparse on detail, a policy document agreed by the potential coalition also said it would return marijuana to the substance control list, and introduce laws “regulating and supporting its beneficial use”.

That suggestion has put a fledgling industry on edge.

“All of this is quite sad,” Kitty Chopaka, a cannabis campaigner and shop owner, told The Telegraph. “I think stigma is creating the problem … the government didn’t put enough effort into educating the public during the rapid legalisation process, and now politicians are exploiting unfounded fears that children are smoking, and it’s ruining society, for votes.”

She said that regulations are in place – pregnant women or those under 20 can’t buy weed, smoking is outlawed in public spaces, and sellers need licences. Meanwhile decriminalisation has been a boon for tourism and…