Learning from the Legalization of Marijuana in Thailand

The ministry of health is making preparations to begin research into the benefits from marijuana plants. The proposed law on research into medical uses of marijuana was sent to the Presidential Palace at the beginning of this year. If it is approved, Indonesia could follow the example of Thailand, which has legalized medical marijuana, and at the beginning of June allowed the use of recreational cannabis.

From the beginning of July until last week, we sent Budiarti Utami Putri, the youngest journalist in the national department, to Thailand. We wanted to learn about what was happening there in the run up to this important decision. Thailand is the first Asian nation to legalize marijuana. Is the entire population now stoned, or have people reaped many benefits from the legalization of cannabis?

While she was in Thailand, Putri traveled to a number of tourist areas that have legalized cannabis transactions. She saw how stores, cafés and bars are selling a range of cannabis plants. The people of Bangkok did not want to be left behind, and flocked to set-up tables to take a share of the profits.

She interviewed activists, businesspeople, officials and doctors behind the legalization of marijuana, including the minister of public health who openly admitted that the legalization of marijuana has increased his party’s popularity. They also explained about the benefits of marijuana for tourism and the Thai economy.

Putri also paid a visit to a marijuana plantation in Chiang Mai where the plant was being cultivated as an industrial crop. The inhabitants of Chiang Mai are taking advantage of the government policy and investing in the planting and processing of cannabis plants. It is estimated that the potential earnings from the legalization of marijuana could exceed Rp40 trillion over the next five years.

In this country, we met with officials from the health ministry with knowledge of the process of the drawing up the regulation allowing for research into medical marijuana. From them, we learned how the government is endeavoring to ensure that the research can start as soon as possible. However, the National Narcotics Agency is consistently against the legalization of medical marijuana.

Although it has the possibility to turn users into addicts, marijuana can relieve a number of illnesses. We interviewed users of marijuana extract whose illnesses were cured and who were able to return to normal activities. We also spoke to activists and the families of patients with serious medical conditions who hope that the government will go ahead with the legalization of medical marijuana.

Enjoy the magazine.

Stefanus Pramono

Managing Editor

The Aroma of Cannabis around the Ballot Box

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