South East Asia's step towards Marijuana Legalization

in #cannabis6 years ago (edited)

maxresdefault.jpg

When it comes to talking about smoking Marijuana in South East Asia region, the first thing that comes to a person mind is 'don't you get hung to death for that shit'. In short, Yes you fucking do! Most countries in the SEA region has strict laws on Marijuana possession or consumption for mere tiny amounts. In reality, these laws don't really have much of an effect on the situation in whole besides it opens up to whole other world of problems, we'll go over that throughout this article. Marijuana is still available around South East Asia, and fairly easy to acquire with the right connection of course and a help of a local. Yes, of course, I do smoke in a country that the law will hang me if I get caught. Does that really stop me? Heck no, we still find ways to get our smokes for sure. I've been smoking for 13 years, and can proudly say have tried some of the finest herbs that sweet mother nature has offered. Even had the honors of sampling some of Thailand's Green Thai stick back in the day(not the brown crappy ones) actual budding Thai sticks. Yes, that's right, the Thai's were really good at cultivation Marijuana over years even decades. To read a little history of Marijuana in Thailand, check out this article(http://thailawforum.com/history-of-marijuana-cannabis-thailand.html).

Thailand is set to be the first South East Asia country to legalize Marijuana for Medical usage, patients would be able to acquire prescribed Medical Marijuana for three illness namely nausea and loss of appetite for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, epilepsy in children and multiple sclerosis. Here's the link to this news announcement(http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/2018/07/04/medical-thai-weed-gets-a-launch-date/)

The question to ask, Is the rest of South East Asia ready for such change as well? Would there be a potential market if legalization takes place? Let's go over some the laws first in most countries, and if it's possible to have these laws relaxed over time. We know now, that Thailand has set a date to legalize medical use of Marijuana, and has even admitted that the War on Drugs is an Absolute Failure.!(Middle finger to Nixon) As in the US, it was also used for incarceration of minorities around South East Asia ('The Asian Nigger') nixon-war-on-drugs-quote.jpg
A fact to know, Thailand also had a serious problem with the drug cartel, Marijuana was big business for the cartels around S.E.Asia. With the strict laws placed, the black market flourishes from illegal Marijuana sales. Thailand's black market was a lead provider for illegal Marijuana distribution channels in Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and some parts of Indonesia. Let's look at just this few countries Laws and the actual reality of the situation.

Malaysia

Under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Section 39B of this law states that if a person is caught possessing 200 grams or more of cannabis they will be sentenced to death by hanging. Punishment for lighter drug-related offenses includes imprisonment, rehabilitation and paying fines. This law applies to anyone regardless of his/her nationality can be caught and punished if convicted. In reality, however, the death sentence has been abolished but additional clauses to give discretionary power to the courts to bestow other sentences, besides the mandatory death penalty, in certain situations. Even with such laws in place, enforcement of these laws doesn't always take effect. Besides, it just opens up doorways to corruption and biased prosecution. Malaysia bordering the South of Thailand, would Thailand's legalization have an effect on Malaysia.

Medical Marijuana is still being disputed, and the laws aren't clear of the definition of which chemical compound is actually illegal in Malaysia. There reports that state, that the use of CBD oil is legal(THC compound illegal). It would be a possibility that the use of Medical Marijuana could pick up here. The more cancer-stricken patient, epilepsy patient demand for CBD oil instead of regulated medicine that cause more harm than the actual cure.

Cambodia

In Cambodia, law states that possession or consumption of Marijuana is illegal, but enforcement never really happens. Cambodia has a rather relaxed culture and being a poor country in South East Asia. The opportunity arises with the likes of Happy Pizza restaurants popping up all over the main capital. You do have to be careful when smoking in public though, tourist scams do happen, and some local sellers do tie up with the corrupt cops to get tourist in trouble for a hefty bribe.

History of Marijuana usage in Cambodia dates back decades, before being forced by the UN to criminalize it. Marijuana was used in some food recipes in Cambodia, and possibly till today as well. Happy pizzas are awesome by the way! pizza-marihuana.jpg

Laos

Same as Cambodia, Laos is not different when it laws on possession or consumption of Marijuana, enforcement leads to officers asking for bribes instead of prosecution. They just don't wanna deal with the effort of enforcing something also minor.

Indonesia

Highly prohibited class A drug, possession or mere consumption could lend you in serious trouble in the major cities. Although it can be sourced, prices, on the other hand, can be really pricey and quality really bad. Been caught with any amount of cannabis can land you a massive bribe or jail for a long time.

There was a book published a while back on Marijuana Medicine, some of the recipes of medicinal marijuana date back centuries and countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Malaya had ancient recipes for cures. marijuana-medicine-9781594776595_hr.jpg
So with Thailand leading the pack in South East Asia, would the rest of these countries follow through with plans of Legalization? One can only hope, it's a start of a small green revolution. Only with time, and certain studies on how governments can tax marijuana sales instead of prosecution of it. I believe it's economically wise to go down this route. In short incarceration for Marijuana, usage does cost taxpayers money and destroys lives.

Well till then one can only sit back, in the comfort of ones home and just smoke in peace. Be safe fellow South East Asians and blaze up discreetly. StonerFriendly.jpg
JAH BLESS!!

Links of images used

1.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi03M3-4cncAhUSXysKHdLiC6MQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdeplim.com%2Fweed-plantation-exterieur.html&psig=AOvVaw3sPBNgLQtkwBSWqPUL1NCS&ust=1533141147152371

2.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=imgres&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi3r_yq4sncAhWafn0KHRDVBFQQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcascadiavape.com%2F2016%2F03%2F26%2Fon-the-drug-war-and-other-mistakes%2F&psig=AOvVaw0QfoZrEOdO3N-2UVBDlSKR&ust=1533141242755084

3.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjU16jI4sncAhUbXysKHWQpDXkQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsteemit.com%2Ftravel%2F%40chrexolia%2Ftraveling-guide-fun-things-to-do-in-siem-reap-cambodia&psig=AOvVaw26JeRQVaxMoTvHf53e27Ue&ust=1533141282141941

4.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwil7qrW4sncAhUVSX0KHWMNCeAQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.simonandschuster.co.uk%2Fbooks%2FMarijuana-Medicine%2FChristian-Ratsch%2F9781594776595&psig=AOvVaw2nZMHE4hO2xXr5fO-8uV1y&ust=1533141333651213

Follow me @kylealex

Sort:  

Damn! That weed pizza looks good!

I'm from the Philippines but I'm currently in Vegas where weed is legal. I tried edibles like gummy candies and I love it! <3

Packs a punch after it kicks in, weed pizza is always great on holidays in Cambodia. Edible gummy bears nice!! Get the munchies, eat more gummies bears, get more stoned. Get munchies again, eat more gummy bears. Ahhh good circle indeed.

So you just add fresh buds to the top of the pizza and cook it like normal?

I'm going to be in Cambodia on January. We should catch up and eat that weed pizza with friends. :)
I always crave for cheese pizza after I smoke weed. Maybe it's gonna be a bad idea to smoke weed then eat that weed pizza in your pic. Stone, stoner, stoniest! 😝

@kylealex Do you know India is the best place for quality weed and charas. Hope you heard about Manala, Parvati valley of India where you get class A charas. Foreigners are warmly welcome here, as a hindu tradition of smoking ganja for Lord Shiva, marijuana is very common in Indian culture and can't be stopped.

Indeed, India does have some quality kush and hashish(Charas), I did manage to try some Charas through a friend of mine. Sticky tar, but smells really potent. Indeed your right, Lord Shiva did enjoy the plant of life. Manala Parvati Valley, a must visit for sure. India's hidden weed valley. Haven't been as yet, but would definetely make a trip..

Its not legal here. You still have to smoke it in secret. Just beware.

Its not legal here.
You still have to smoke it in
Secret. Just beware.

                 - alok1


I'm a bot. I detect haiku.

Bro get your facts corrected. If I inform cops right now you might get arrested for promoting this. Hehehehehehe

🙌💗

Indonesia, especially in Aceh. they produce marijuana with grade A, in my opinion.

Marijuana is part of Aceh's culture for sure. It has a lighter but lengthy buzz compared to hydro grow. Natural soil grown marijuana are the real deal actually. Another reason why S.E Asia should consider legalization. Our climate and rich soil is perfect for cultivation of Hemp and Marijuana.

I agree with you. this should be a discussion for a legal one

I agree with you.
This should be a discussion
For a legal one

                 - mirzacho


I'm a bot. I detect haiku.

Weed pizza!! Wow. That looks so good. What if somebody opens a weed pizza place!! Lol. People would smell it...and come from &get it. BBQ places may have some competition. Thc bbq sauce..hmmm.
Great post. Happy for those patients relief.
Joy

Hey where you been? Nice seeing you!

My aunt passed. Maryjane has been here for me. Lol. Back n action now.
Joy

Well say hi and give me a call!

U got a # ?
Or discord...i hate discord now.
Idk what new rules from eu really mean.
Joy

Sure do! And think I'm on your friends list already.

And think you have my number in your direct messages.

Spark up Conversation on Discord

k4.jpg

IMG_20180731_000647.jpg

K. Cyber hugs and kisses!!

It is a PIZZA made up of Marijuana???? I had never seen any earlier. anyway I appreciate that you mentioned many countries and their take on usage of this drug. keep up with good content!

Puff that!

That’s so crazy, cause Asia is the birthplace of cannabis! I wish you guys luck. Since it’s anericas fault Cannabis is illegal, I think it will be changed soon

NAhh if marijuana will legalized in Philippines there were many Filipinos that will be legally addicted and the list of patient of needed marijuana medicine will grow even thoug there not have any disease.

Addiction is a person's weakness to control themselves from such vices. Addiction can come in many forms as well, Alcohol addiction is also a massive problem, which causes more severe damages to our organs but we don't see being illegal now do we. Quite simple really, too much of something always leads to addiction. It's not the substance, it's a mental weakness of a person.

Did not know pizza was big in Cambodia. We love infused Thai curry though.

Hey mate, thanks so much for posting this content. I love cannabis and have been an active medicinal and recreational user for over a decade. I'm going to SEA in a month so this info comes very handy, although Im ready to spend a couple of months without weed to avoid any troubles. Cheers!

Smoking cigarette that causes cancer is legal where as smoking weed that is the medicinal herb is illegal. Some research says weed is the antibiotic to cancer. What are we supposed to do? Smoke weed after getting cancer?? Then whats the meaning of saying ' Prevention is better than cure'. I smoke weed to prevent cancer and to come out of depression.

Huge news! And would. Love to have you on the 420 show or the @cannabis-news show...

Do you know how many people could be treated if the tree of life is allowed to grow?

Sharing this and really enjoyed it!

Spark up Conversation on Discord

k4.jpg

IMG_20180731_000647.jpg

Indeed alot of people can be treated from the tree of life.. We can only hope for this change, there's good ppl pushing for legalization. Especially with case studies to back up this.

Well come join the @kind.network and let's start funding the activists! As well as helping them grow and continue to be changing the world.

That`s the true fact that everyone should know.Ya people should follow the rules and concern on their bad activities.

Very interesting pics and writing - news to consider.

What a nice piece of marijuana!

It's ironic to think that they are banning a tropical herb that's been used for many years as medical treatment for some common and serious health problems.

I'm presently in Nigeria, and weed is totally prohibited but then people always have their ways with it.

If you smoke this thing for Nigeria make police catch you hmm your life no go remain the same.

This is really a very informative article, I appreciate this !! Thumbs up!

Yes marijuna is very popular in south east Asia and mostly in Afghanistan, it’s bad for health , but again it’s used in medicines also

Bad for health? You sure about that??? Almost any drug that you can buy in a fármaco or almost any food you buy at the market is worst than cannabis. Don't trust the corrupt media. Cannabis has been and always will be health.

Congratulations @kylealex! You have completed the following achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

Award for the number of upvotes received

Click on the badge to view your Board of Honor.
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

To support your work, I also upvoted your post!

Do you like SteemitBoard's project? Then Vote for its witness and get one more award!

Hi @kylealex - be sure to check out @tipU voting service ;) sorry for messing around in your post, please accept this in return: @tipu upvote this post

This post received 0.58 SBD upvote from @tipU funded by @cardboard | Today @kylealex has a chance to win free @steembasicincome share :) | How to receive upvotes | For investors.

@kylealex hiii..... Dishamankoo here ...i studied about marizuana use in chronic pain. A recent report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said there was definitive evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids (which are found in the marijuana plant) can be an effective treatment for chronic pain.
The report said that is "by far the most common" reason people request medical marijuana.

@kylealex Do you know India is the best place for quality weed and charas. Expectation you caught wind of Manala, Parvati valley of India where you get class A charas. Nonnatives are warmly welcome here, as a hindu convention of smoking ganja for Lord Shiva, maryjane is extremely regular in Indian culture and can't be ceased. India has some quality kush and hashish(Charas), I managed to attempt a few Charas through a companion of mine. Sticky tar, yet smells extremely powerful. Surely your right, Lord Shiva enjoyed the plant of life. Manala Parvati Valley, an unquestionable requirement visit without a doubt. India's shrouded weed valley. Haven't been up 'til now, however would definetely make an excursion..

Since marijuana has been proven to be effective curing some seriuos ailments, why not plant cannabis to support as additional income generated for the farmers.

Congratulations @kylealex!
Your post was mentioned in the Steemit Hit Parade in the following category:

  • Pending payout - Ranked 9 with $ 212,78

Thank's for your good post. I follow you, please follow me, sir. I'm totally new to Steemit. Hope you will follow me and help me get filled up by Upvoting. Thank you so much.

I heard about this recently from a friend. What do you believe marijuana is good for?

The pizza looks awesome! Countries like India have linked it to lord Shiva and in some places you will get a good quality marijuana although it is still deemed illegal by the government. Making marijuana brownies is another exciting way of having it..

I have never seen Pizza with weeds lool , but anyway my country is famous by cannabis ( Morocco )

You got a 100.00% upvote from @brupvoter courtesy of @kylealex!

This is HUGE news!

There are over 10 Million people in the Bangkok region of Thailand alone!

Cannabis legalization is finally gaining #STEEM worldwide!
It's a wonderful thing.

If anyone would like to discuss opening a business to help people obtain marijuana licenses, please email us directly here: "steem(at)firstnaturalwellness.com" and we will be happy to discuss your opportunity with you.

Big Pharma and Religious nutters are the reasons why this is illegal. Pure wrong!

Great article man, I moved to Vietnam 2 years ago and having heard all the horror stories of hefty sentences anf firing squads I was prepared to give up the habit that I love. when i arrived here the reality is much different, Yes it is illegal but people smoke quite freely here both foreigners and locals, the police for the most part let this happen to some extent certainly weed is not there top priority, I think it's a case of common sense over coming ignorant lawmakers and outdated ideas. Cool to hear that Thailand is heading towards some form of legalization. The world will be green someday. Really enjoyed your post. Wish you good luck for the future.

Hey dear… i love mj. Is there anyway i can get some?

Very Helpful post Love this thank you friend

Your post had been curated by the @buildawhale team and mentioned here:

https://steemit.com/curation/@buildawhale/buildawhale-curation-digest-08-06-18

Keep up the good work and original content, everyone appreciates it!

It's a great time to be invested into marijuana stocks. SMG and philip morris are 2 safe stocks to play this trend.

In Cambodia, they wanted to cheat me! I got spinach instead weed in my pizza! :D There was no tip :D