Legalizing cannabis in Thailand will provide complications, as many people travel to and from Singapore

K. Shanmugam, the Minister for Home Affairs of Singapore, stated on Thursday that the increased ease with which cannabis can be obtained in Thailand will bring about a corresponding increase in the number of problems (Sep 1).

Mr. Shanmugam was replying to a question on how Thailand’s decision to legalize cannabis will effect the drug issue in the area and in Singapore that was posed by the Malaysian network Astro Awani.

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In a Facebook post made earlier on Thursday about Singaporean national swimmers Joseph Schooling and Amanda Lim, the minister stated that Singaporean authorities will take action if there is clear evidence of current use of drugs and that they will do so regardless of where the consumption of the drugs took place (in Singapore or elsewhere). Both Schooling and Lim admitted to smuggling cannabis over international borders.

According to Mr. Shanmugam, research reveals that the use of cannabis is both hazardous and addicting. He noted that it can cause irreparable brain damage, brain shrinkage, as well as major mental and psychiatric problems.

According to Mr. Shanmugam, who is also the Minister of Law in Singapore, the use of cannabis is permitted under certain circumstances, including when medical professionals demand it for treatment purposes.

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The government of Thailand has designated schools cannabis-free zones, banned smoking in public places, and made it illegal to sell cannabis to women who are pregnant or lactating. According to Mr. Shanmugam, it also took action to try to protect children and other vulnerable segments of the community.