Dan Miller Posted June 18, 2024 Posted June 18, 2024 Thailand is at a pivotal moment with its cannabis policies. The government has proposed reclassifying cannabis buds as Category 5 narcotics starting January 1, 2025, reversing the 2022 decriminalization. This move has ignited a strong public response, with over 25000 people voicing their opposition. The majority are concerned about the impact on patients relying on cannabis-based medicine and the potential for industry monopolization by large capital groups. Advocacy groups, like the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future Network, have been vocal against the reclassification. They argue that this change will harm patients and small businesses, pushing the industry into the hands of a few large players. The group walked out of a meeting with Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, criticizing his refusal to establish a joint fact-finding committee to explore the implications of the reclassification. They plan a large rally on July 8, 2024, near Government House to protest the policy. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Government Spokesman Karom Phonphonklang have both highlighted the benefits of cannabis for medical use and economic contributions. They warn that reclassification could lead to unnecessary arrests and economic setbacks. Anutin emphasizes the importance of public feedback in democratic processes and stresses the need for comprehensive cannabis legislation rather than reverting to strict controls. Anutin also acknowledged that the majority support cannabis. From an academic perspective, Prof. Panthep Puapongphan, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, has debunked claims linking cannabis decriminalization to increased psychiatric cases. He attributes fluctuations in psychiatric patient numbers to the COVID-19 pandemic rather than cannabis use and calls for effective regulation and law enforcement. The Ministry of Public Health has extended the public feedback period until June 25, 2024. They are seeking opinions on the draft regulation, which includes restricting cannabis use to medical, research, and health products. Public participation is crucial in shaping the final regulations. Given the strong public opposition and the importance of balanced cannabis regulation, it is vital for more people to submit their feedback. Your voice can influence the future of cannabis laws in Thailand. Visit the Ministry of Public Health’s feedback page to provide your input before the deadline. Together, everyone can work towards a balanced and fair cannabis policy in Thailand that considers both public health and economic benefits. The future of cannabis in Thailand can be guided by informed decisions and the collective voice of its people.
Woody Woodpecker Posted June 18, 2024 Posted June 18, 2024 This is up for Thais to decide, opinions of foreigners aren’t important, so I’m building up my stash, just in case. 1
Shuggy Posted June 18, 2024 Posted June 18, 2024 Nice copy and paste. Next time you may want to quote the source. Also you may want to familiarise yourself with the rules. 2) The following content is NOT permitted on Bangkok-Addicts.com. Anything in breach of these rules may be removed, edited or deleted. Sanctions or an outright ban may apply: n) Discussion about buying/selling illicit drugs or specific directions/names of where to buy illicit drugs and topics purely discussing them in the public area. We will however allow: 1) Topics about weed/marijuana only in the designated part of the advanced area of the forum, 2) Warning people about users 3) Having it in advanced area trip reports and in relevant stories; Thread closed.
Recommended Posts