Jul 10, Kathmandu - The Thai government has tightened its rules on marijuana, putting a $1 billion industry in jeopardy.

Thailand lifted its ban on recreational marijuana use in 2022. However, now it has been banned again.

According to the new rules, marijuana will only be available for medicinal purposes.

After marijuana was legalized three years ago, thousands of marijuana shops opened across Thailand. People from all over the world flocked to Thailand to use marijuana for recreational purposes.

The new rules have hit the $1 billion marijuana industry hard. Marijuana stores are beginning to restructure to comply with the new rules. Many stores are on the verge of closing.

A doctor's prescription will now be required to purchase marijuana.

It is not yet clear how the new rules will be implemented and what guidelines will be created for issuing prescriptions. Current marijuana stores may have to register as clinics.

The Bhumjaithai Party had campaigned to legalize marijuana. The new rules were introduced after the party left the coalition government. Prime Minister Phatthana Shinawatra left the government, saying it had failed to properly handle the border dispute with Cambodia.

Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said the new rules were introduced to protect public safety and youth and children.

But marijuana dealers say the issue has been politicized and the new rules will hurt small businesses that cannot afford to hire doctors.

Thailand has long taken a tough stance against drugs. However, after the lifting of the ban on marijuana three years ago, thousands of people who had been imprisoned for marijuana-related offenses were released. Politicians said that the lifting of the ban would create new economic opportunities.

However, the law was criticized at the time for being rushed. After the law was passed, rules were introduced, including a ban on marijuana in schools and a ban on the sale of marijuana to people under 20 and pregnant women.

After the lifting of the ban, marijuana shops opened widely. The problem of marijuana smuggling also began to increase. As a result, the public began to feel uncomfortable.

Now, with the ban on recreational marijuana again being imposed, the shops are in a position to close.