Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Cannabis Establishments Based on Usage Patterns in Mueang District, Surat Thani Province of Thailand

Abstract

The societal acceptance of cannabis in various regions of Thailand has greatly increased its legal use. In July 2021, the Thailand Government Gazette authorized the use of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, food and beverage, and smoking purposes. This development might lead to easier access to cannabis, especially among adolescents, resulting in higher prevalence. This survey research aimed to investigate and visualize the spatial distribution of cannabis establishments based on usage patterns in the Mueang District of Surat Thani Province, Thailand, using geographic information systems (GIS). The cannabis establishments were explored and analyzed using GIS to visualize their locations and buffer maps. The location map illustrated the distribution of cannabis establishments, categorized by patterns of cannabis use. Additionally, the buffer map visualized the radius of cannabis establishments around five educational institutions. Data collection was conducted between May and June 2024. The locations of the establishments and educational institutions provided in the researchers' data collection were used to generate coordinates on Google Maps and visit the places of establishments. These specifics were imported for analysis using ArcGIS version 10.5. The spatial distribution analysis indicated the presence of 61 cannabis establishments in the study area, which were categorized by the pattern of cannabis use, including 43 cannabis smoke establishments, 10 cannabis-contained beverage establishments, and 8 cannabis-contained food and beverage establishments, as depicted on the location map. Cannabis establishments were strategically situated in areas with higher population density, likely reflecting increased demand for use. Buffer maps were created within a 500 to 1000-meter radius around educational institutions to demonstrate the accessibility of cannabis, especially for adolescents. These findings have the potential to influence government policies and initiatives aimed at preventing and regulating adolescent access to cannabis. Specifically, regulations concerning the proximity of cannabis-selling establishments to educational institutions could be evaluated and implemented appropriately.