Cannabis in Thailand
In Thailand, cannabis, known by the name ganja, is listed as a class-5 narcotic under the Narcotics Act, B.E. 2522.
Cannabis appears to have been introduced to Thailand from India, with the similarity of the Thai name to the Indian term ganja cited as evidence. Cannabis has historically been used in south-east Asia as an ingredient, a kitchen condiment, a medicine, and a source of fiber.
Marijuana had been a traditional medicine for centuries before it was banned in the 1930s. Laborers were known to use it as a muscle relaxer. It was reportedly used to ease women's labor pains.
The possession, sale, and use of cannabis was criminalised by the Cannabis Act, B.E. 2477. The two most salient acts for practical purposes are the Narcotics Act 2522 and the Psychotropic Substances Act 2518.
