Green rush in Phuket: big-data evidence of cannabis commercialization in a tourism-centric area

ABSTRACT Thailand has pioneered legalizing cannabis for medical purposes in Asia. This study focuses on drug tourism and the supply of cannabis in Phuket. Geospatial analysis reveals a notably positive association between cannabis stores and hotels, thus providing evidence of misuse of cannabis since its decriminalization. Despite advisory warnings discouraging tourists from leisure cannabis consumption, cannabis outlets could increase significantly in areas centered around hotels. The result reveals the urgency of nuanced destination management. Without regulation, suppliers are poised to primarily cater to the tourist, thus potentially distorting the purpose of decriminalization and neglecting the negative externalities imposed on the destination.