New attraction in Golok, Thailand - Cannabis drinks

 

Cannabis-laced beverages that provide a slight buzz are popular with Malaysian weekend visitors in Golok, Thailand.

According to a report by Sinar Harian, these beverages were being sold in convenience stores for as little as RM2.

“Customers usually buy more than five bottles. Mostly males... Apart from locals, there are a lot of Malaysian customers over the weekend,” one convenience store staff told Sinar Harian.

The staff said that customers had described the beverage as “sedap” (delicious) and that it caused dizziness and a bit of a mind-altering experience.

This staff admitted never having tried the beverage before.

According to Sinar Harian, the beverages were sold in bottles and carried designs aimed at youths.

A Malaysian who was visiting Golok expressed concern over the cannabis-laced water being openly sold and could be mistaken for a regular soft drink.

Medical expert Dr Abu Hasan Samad told Sinar Harian that Malaysians should not be consuming cannabis-laced beverages because it was the product of an unregulated industry.

He warned that the unregulated nature of the business might result in some producers adding other addictive substances into the beverage.

He also warned that cannabis use can result in psychomotor impairment.

Independent criminologist Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim warned Malaysians not to try cannabis beverages to avoid running afoul with Malaysian laws.

He said under the laws, a positive drug test at borders can result in action being taken under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. This can result in a fine of up to RM5,000, a jail term of up to two years or both.

Meanwhile, Kelantan police chief Muhamad Zaki Harun told Sinar Harian that the police have intensified patrols and enforcement activities of late to prevent the smuggling of illicit goods.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that the police in Perlis are conducting random drug checks on those returning from Thailand.

So far, five people have been charged due to these checks after June 9 - the date Thailand decriminalised cannabis use and sale.

Some critics such as lawyer Samantha Chong believed that such checks were not necessary because drug use was not an extra-territorial offence.

Chong added that random drug testing was also an expensive affair. - Mkini