In a highly buzz worthy move, the country of Thailand has decided to drop jail terms and fines as it decriminalizes marijuana.
According to the country’s FDA chief, Withid Sariddeechaikool, a deputy secretary general of the FDA, this move could let people have full access to the drug without the fear of lengthy prison sentences and big fines.
Currently, possession of cannabis in Thailand could land its owner in jail for up to 15 years as the plant is a category-5 narcotic drug in the country.
Thailand plans to decriminalize marijuana after it became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize medical cannabis and its use in food and cosmetics.
The country’s Food and Drug Administration was set to propose the removal of marijuana from a list of controlled drugs to the narcotics control board this week.
Once cleared by the board, the proposal will need to be approved by Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul before it becomes effective.
Viroj Sumyai, former president of the International Narcotics Control Board, said if Thailand allowed recreational use it would no longer be allowed to import certain drugs they cover.
