In the bustling city of Bangkok, a Japanese tourist finds himself in possession of a baggie filled with cannabis, procured from a reputable weed shop in the heart of the city.
With a sense of curiosity and intrigue, he delicately retrieves a gram of buds from the baggie, proceeding to grind them meticulously in a small black grinder.
As the fragrant aroma fills the air, he proceeds to roll the finely ground cannabis into a perfectly crafted joint.
However, a slight spillage onto the table and a momentary cough upon inhaling the first puff are the only indications that this tourist is relatively new to the world of marijuana.
The fact that he had never tried this forbidden leaf until just a fortnight ago is a testament to the strict drug laws and severe penalties that prevail in most Asian nations.
Thailand’s de facto legalization of marijuana last year has sparked a newfound interest among tourists from the region, including the intrigued visitor from Japan, who cannot resist the allure of experiencing this once-forbidden pleasure.
The quest for new experiences often leads individuals down paths of curiosity, with some boundaries traversing into uncharted territories.
One such traveler, a 42-year-old tourist who wished to remain anonymous, recently embarked on an introspective journey while visiting Bangkok.
In hushed tones, he disclosed his desire to explore the sensations induced by smoking marijuana, a substance that remains taboo and forbidden in his home country.
Yet, a gnawing uncertainty gnawed at his thoughts: why does Japan enforce such stringent measures against it? The allure of the forbidden fruit permeated his mind, sparking a fervor to indulge in this controversial act.
However, as the tourist himself admitted, the potential legal ramifications prevented his free expression, casting a shadow of apprehension over his quest for enlightenment.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the stark contrast between countries that are embracing the expanding scope of cannabis legalization and those who vehemently enforce rigorous punishment for any involvement with the plant.
Thailand, having been positioned as a lone sentinel in Asia, finds itself in a unique position. While numerous other nations around the world embrace the liberalization of marijuana, several countries in the region persist in upholding the death penalty for certain cannabis-related offenses.
A notably chilling example recently unfolded in Singapore, where two individuals were executed earlier this year for trafficking marijuana.
The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore even plans to implement a policy of testing individuals returning from Thailand, highlighting the gravity with which the nation regards this issue.
As the world moves toward a nuanced relationship with marijuana, Thailand retains its position as a frontier, harboring a set of archaic drug laws that stand in sharp contrast to the evolving global paradigm.
Japan, known for its strict drug laws, does not impose the death penalty for drug offenses. However, it has recently issued a warning to its nationals that its laws regarding cannabis use may extend to them even when they are outside the country.
Similarly, China’s embassy in Thailand has also cautioned its citizens against consuming marijuana abroad.
According to the embassy, if Chinese tourists are found to have used marijuana while traveling and are subsequently detected upon their return to China, it is considered equivalent to using drugs domestically.
As a result, individuals will be subject to corresponding legal penalties. This warning extends to other countries as well, including the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, where marijuana is readily available.
In fact, on a recent flight from Shanghai, passengers were specifically advised to be cautious and not to inadvertently consume marijuana while in Bangkok.
The announcement emphasized that in Thailand, certain food and drink products may contain cannabis, and thus, passengers were urged to pay attention to the leaf logo on the package of any food items they consume.
The Chinese and Singaporean authorities have chosen not to disclose the frequency at which they test their citizens who return from countries where marijuana has been decriminalized.
When questioned by the AP, both authorities simply reiterated their previously announced policies without providing any further details.
This lack of transparency has led to an atmosphere of caution among customers from Singapore and China at weed dispensaries in Bangkok.
These customers often inquire about the duration for which traces of the drug can be detected in their system and whether there are any detox products available.
However, despite these concerns, the cannabis industry in Thailand has experienced a remarkable growth rate.
In certain parts of the capital, weed dispensaries have become almost as prevalent as the ubiquitous convenience stores.
Official figures indicate that as of February, nearly 6,000 licenses for cannabis-related businesses have been approved, with over 1,600 in Bangkok alone.
Official statistics regarding the number of tourists who visit solely for the purpose of consuming marijuana are not available from the government.
However, Kueakarun Thongwilai, the manager of a cannabis dispensary located in central Bangkok, has provided an estimate indicating that approximately 70% to 80% of his clientele consists of foreigners, primarily originating from Asian countries such as Japan, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines, with some visitors hailing from Europe.
In response to this trend, most cannabis establishments, including Thongwilai’s shop, now exclusively employ individuals who possess fluency in English, the prevailing language of the industry.
Thongwilai emphasizes that while fluency in English is not a prerequisite, effective communication with foreign customers is essential.
Approximately 50% of his clientele comprises individuals who are new to the world of cannabis, with a notable majority being of Asian descent, as conveyed by Thongwilai.
While some of these newcomers express an interest in experimenting with edible cannabis products, Thongwilai makes a conscious effort to guide them towards the option of smoking.
His rationale lies in the fact that edibles tend to take a longer duration to produce their effects, and during this waiting period, individuals may unknowingly consume larger quantities, potentially resulting in an overwhelming experience for those who are novices in this realm.
Thongwilai, while reflecting on his experiences, shared an intriguing anecdote about a Malaysian customer who discreetly left his wife and daughter during a meal at a nearby restaurant.
This customer confessed to smoking marijuana secretly at home but had heard that the Thai product offered superior quality and was eager to try it.
Curiosity led him to purchase the most affordable weed available at Thongwilai’s shop, and he decided to experiment with it in a mall.
The outcome was so satisfying that he promptly returned to the shop to purchase more. Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away from Thongwilai’s establishment, Dutch Passion’s recently opened retail branch, an offshoot of a renowned Netherlands seed distributor with over three decades of experience, has also witnessed a significant influx of first-time users.
According to Theo Geene, a Dutch shareholder in the business, nearly half of their customers fall into this category.
Cannabis has been legally accessible in coffee shops in the Netherlands for several decades now, and Geene, the owner of one such establishment, has utilized his extensive knowledge to train his staff in effectively serving those who are unfamiliar with the drug.
Geene emphasizes that it is not advisable for beginners to use a bong, as it can be overwhelming for them and may lead to undesirable effects such as fainting.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of their customers is of utmost importance to him and his team. Interestingly, most customers are reluctant to discuss their experiences openly, except for one Japanese tourist in Geene’s shop who agreed to share his story on the condition of anonymity.
Furthermore, Geene observes that many Asian customers prefer to smoke their cannabis purchases indoors rather than in public, unlike many Westerners who do so openly on the streets.
However, he notes that this practice is in violation of Thai regulations.
According to the account provided by the individual, it appears that a prevailing sense of caution and fear among those who consume marijuana has emerged within the context of their societal environment.
This sentiment stems from an innate inclination towards privacy and discretion, as individuals seem to prefer not to draw attention to themselves while engaging in the act of marijuana consumption.
These tendencies have been particularly observed in the case of the mentioned Japanese tourist, who, prior to his journey to Thailand, conducted a comprehensive investigation through online resources.
His diligent research led him to the conclusion that, although Japanese customs could potentially initiate sporadic bag and luggage inspections in an effort to curb the smuggling of marijuana into the country, there is an apparent absence of systematic marijuana testing in accordance with the policies devised by the Japanese government.
Such information implies that the Japanese population may be reluctant to openly exhibit their engagement with marijuana due to the potential risks associated with the prevailing legal framework.
Ever since his initial introduction to smoking two weeks ago, he has developed a daily habit of indulging in this recreational activity.
With a keen interest in exploring the vast array of options available, he has taken it upon himself to visit various dispensaries, meticulously comparing prices and sampling different strains.
The knowledgeable and helpful dispensary staff have played a pivotal role in his journey, imparting valuable skills such as grinding buds and rolling joints.
Engrossed in perfecting this art, he derives immense pleasure from honing his technique. Demonstrating a dedicated commitment, he diligently practices rolling joints every single day.
As he gazes down at the joint he is currently rolling, he amusingly repeats the word “practice” twice before succumbing to a fit of laughter.