In June 2022, the Southeast Asian nation became the first in Asia to decriminalize the cannabis plant, allowing it to be grown and consumed freely. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai party and one of Srettha's coalition partners, was a key figure responsible for legalizing recreational cannabis. Currently, many outlets claim to be medical cannabis platforms but they often prioritize profits rather than patient health, a number of clinics told CNBC. "This could foster a more positive perception of the cannabis industry among the public, and for the industry to sustain in the long run," Jintana said. "The prospect of exporting cannabis products to legal foreign markets aligns with Thailand's medical hub policy propelling both medicinal cannabis and other traditional herbs to the forefront," said Jintana.

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Persons: Dimas Ardian, that's, Srettha Thavisin, Soratat, Srettha, hasn't, Soratat Pongsangiam, Sornkanok, Anutin Charnvirakul, Anutin, Jintana Manorompatrasal, Jintana, May's Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, Greenhead, Reuters, Greenhead Clinic, Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, Deputy, CNBC, Sawasdee Clinic Locations: San, Bangkok, Thailand, Asia, Phuket, U.S