Thailand plans to make marijuana legal and axe jail terms for possession

Thailand plans to decriminalise marijuana after becoming the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalise the drug for medical use and in food and cosmetics.

The move draws Thailand a step closer to clear the use of cannabis for recreation. The nation’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to propose the removal of marijuana from a list of restricted drugs to the narcotics control board on Wednesday.

Once cleared, the proposal will need to be approved by the health minister before it comes into force.

Possession of cannabis in Thailand is currently punishable by up to 15 years in jail but the move to decriminalise the drug will allow people to access marijuana without the fear of lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Thailand was the first nation in Southeast Asia to approve medicinal cannabis in 2018 in a move a key lawmaker called a “New Year’s gift” to the Thai…