"The new law will clearly stipulate that cannabis must be used for medical purposes only. It will also encourage the use of cannabis for a range of health benefits," Dr Cholnan said on Saturday (Jan 6) after signing the bill, reports Bangkok Post.
"Regarding the using of cannabis for recreational purposes, there will be a clear measure to control and prevent this. The measure may come in the form of a ministerial regulation passed by the cabinet, or from a panel," he said.
Regarding a regulation by the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department which lists cannabis as a controlled herb, Dr Cholnan said the rule might need to be revised if it contradicts the new law.
"Whether the buying of cannabis will require a medical certificate or not has not been included in the bill just yet. This may have to depend on the enforcement of organic laws," he said.
But using cannabis at home for medical purposes must be based on correct medical procedures and research, he said.
Asked about the impact on cannabis stores, Dr Cholnan said there have been no such laws set to revoke licences for running legally-registered stores. But once the law is put in place, cannabis stores must sell only the parts of the cannabis plant that are deemed legal in Thailand.
Under the Narcotics Code, only products containing over 0.2% THC [tetrahydrocannabinol – cannabis’ main psychoactive agent] by weight will be considered illegal.
Dr Cholnan also said the law, when it is passed, will help police capture those who wrongly use cannabis for recreational purposes.