Thailand’s Sangha Supreme Council (SSC) passed a decision last week banning the use and growing of cannabis by Buddhist monks and novices. The ban includes all forms of cannabis, which were legalized last month in Thailand.
With the legalization of cannabis in June, many Buddhists in Thailand have expressed concern over its use in temples and among monastics. In response, the SSC, Thailand’s governing body over Buddhists throughout the country, issued its own ruling.
A spokesperson for Thailand’s National Office of Buddhism, Sittha Moonhong, said that the ban would clarify to everyone that Buddhist monastics were not to grow the plant or use drugs derived from it. “There may be a misperception among Buddhist monks that doing so is no longer illegal and anyone can do it,” he added.
According to the new ruling, Buddhist temples and monastic grounds may not be used to grow the plants. Furthermore, monks and novices are prohibited from consuming them, except when prescribed by a doctor as medicine.
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