Starting on Thursday, people can grow cannabis plants at home, but the legalisation of cannabis has prompted concerns that it may lead to a rise in drug addiction.
Pol Gen Roy Ingkapairote, deputy commissioner of the national police and the director of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), said police will not arrest anyone who smokes cannabis at home. But if they smoke it in public areas and cause a public disturbance, they can face charges, Pol Gen Roy said.
More than 4,200 prisoners whose cases are cannabis-related will be released, Pol Gen Roy said. Cannabis cases pending investigation will also be dropped while any arrest warrants issued for cannabis use will be revoked, he said.
Regarding health concerns, the Ministry of Public Health is aware that the improper use of cannabis could lead to an increase in drug users, said Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the ministry’s permanent secretary.
Some people might use cannabis excessively or mix it with other narcotic substances, he said. The ministry will set up a system to monitor those who may have mental problems caused by the wrong use of cannabis, he said.
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