New regulation set to dent cannabis stores

Rule restricts usage to medical purposes

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Tourism operators are expecting many cannabis stores in urban areas to be shuttered, leaving only those for medical purposes following a new public health regulation strictly controlling usage for this purpose.

Damrongkieat Pinijkarn, secretary of the Pattaya Entertainment Association, said the new rule would foster a better tourism and living atmosphere in Pattaya.

During the past three years when the cannabis control bill was not enacted, many cannabis stores used this loophole to serve the weed for leisure purposes in all parts of the city, putting locals and children at risk, he said.

Many tourists and locals have complained about weed smoking in public areas, such as on the streets and beaches, disturbing their well-being, said Mr Damrongkieat.