
In recent years, cannabis policy has undergone significant shifts across the globe, with Thailand and Canada emerging as two fascinating case studies. While Canada became the first G7 nation to fully legalize recreational cannabis in 2018, Thailand stunned many in 2022 by becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis use. The surprising move in Thailand, a country once known for harsh drug laws, signals a broader transformation influenced partly by Western approaches—especially Canada’s progressive stance on drug regulation and public health.
Canada’s cannabis journey has been gradual, evolving from medical legalization in 2001 to full recreational use 17 years later. The focus in Canada has always been on harm reduction, regulation, and public health. Legalization was presented not as a way to encourage use, but to manage risks, eliminate the black market, and protect young people. The Canadian model has inspired other nations to rethink punitive drug policies, including some in Southeast Asia.
Thailand’s approach, while different in its execution, reflects some of these influences. Initially motivated by economic factors—especially the potential for medical cannabis exports—Thailand’s government framed its decriminalization around traditional medicine and health. Cannabis has long had a place in Thai herbal healing practices, often used in balms and traditional remedies. Legalization, therefore, was couched in national pride and economic opportunity, but also underlined by a shifting perspective on how to handle drug use.
Despite the shared goal of reform, the two countries face different challenges. In Canada, issues like impaired driving, youth access, and uneven access to legal products have raised concerns. In Thailand, the rapid and somewhat unclear rollout of cannabis laws—decriminalizing without a full regulatory framework—has led to confusion among the public and law enforcement. While Canadian cannabis is tightly regulated from seed to sale, Thailand’s system initially lacked formal licensing and standards, resulting in a surge of unregulated dispensaries and inconsistent messaging.
Public perception also varies between the two nations. In Canada, social acceptance of cannabis has grown steadily, helped by public education campaigns and a robust legal framework. In Thailand, however, cannabis remains a controversial topic. Many citizens, particularly older generations, are wary of its open use, and there are growing calls for stricter controls, especially in light of youth consumption and unclear guidelines on public use.
Canada’s experience offers valuable lessons for Thailand as it refines its cannabis policy. Transparent regulation, age restrictions, and public education can help normalize cannabis use while minimizing harm. Similarly, Thailand’s use of cannabis within a traditional and medical context offers a culturally resonant approach that other nations could learn from when shaping their own policies.
As both countries navigate this evolving landscape, their experiences underscore a global shift toward evidence-based, health-oriented drug policy. The cannabis connection between Thailand and Canada highlights the power of cross-cultural influence in shaping a more humane and informed approach to drug use in the 21st century.