It was billed as a savior to Thailand’s post-pandemic slump, but the runaway cannabis industry has instead sparked a deep domestic backlash that could see the plant criminalized once again after next month’s election.

Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022. The move was widely supported, with people told the country would emerge as a regional hub for medical cannabis that would expand the health tourism sector and create a new cash crop for farmers.

But within months, it was clear the policy had instead sparked a boom in recreational use that spread to children.