The aim is to ensure that licensed vendors must advise customers not to smoke marijuana in ways that create unpleasant odours and smoke that could disturb the public, Dr Kusak said.
There are currently 1,451 business operators in Phuket with licences to sell marijuana, he added.
Of those, 502 are in Kathu District, 222 are in Thalang District and 729 are in Mueang District.
“To ensure effective control and oversight, a joint effort is being undertaken by the Provincial Public Health Office of the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Office, the District Public Health Office, the administrative organisations, the police and local government entities, will perform unannounced weekly inspections, often during nighttime hours, with the aim of discouraging [the breaking of laws], as well as advising and ensuring adherence to regulations,” Dr Kusak said.
“Violators will face legal consequences, potentially resulting in the suspension or withdrawal of their distribution licences,” Dr Kusak added.
Penalties include fines up to B20,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. The operators of several marijuana shops already have been prosecuted for operating without licence, he said.
Of 13 shops prosecuted for selling marijuana without permission, nine were in Kathu District, two were in Muang District, and two were in Thalang District.
“Licenced shops that disobey official orders can face 30-day licence suspensions, and if violations continue, licenses can be revoked. If evidence [of breaking the regulations] emerges on social media, authorities will act according to the law, whether an incident occurs in front of them or is reported later,” Dr Kusak noted.
“Regarding places that let people smoke on their property, 11 shops in Kathu District, eight in Mueang District and one in Thalang District were ordered to stop operating for a while.
“There are also punishments for breaking other rules, such as illegally promoting medical cannabis,” he said.
In addition to obtaining the necessary legal authorisation for the distribution of cannabis, operators are required to inform their customers that smoking marijuana in close proximity to the establishment is prohibited, Dr Kusak said.
“This regulation is in place due to the offensive odour and potential disturbance caused to individuals nearby,” he explained.
“Any breach of this directive could result in punitive consequences, including a potential imprisonment term of up to three months, a fine of up to B25,000, or a combination of both penalties.
“For establishments such as restaurants, it is imperative to conspicuously display on the menu that their offerings incorporate cannabis. Furthermore, they are obliged to provide guidance on the safe consumption of infused dishes.
“Restaurants must also secure official permission or certification from local authorities in order to legally operate as food vendors. Failure to acquire this requisite licence might lead to severe repercussions, including a maximum prison sentence of six months and a fine of up to B50,000.
“Alternatively, operating without the necessary certification could result in a penalty of up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to B25,000,” Dr Kusak concluded.