Cannabis advocates are urging the government to establish a committee to analyze the impacts of the plant before moving forward with its reclassification as a narcotic substance.
Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future group, organized a demonstration near Government House and emphasized the importance of studying cannabis’s effects on physical health, mental health, society, and comparing its therapeutic benefits to tobacco and alcohol.
He proposed that if the study reveals that cannabis’s impacts are no more severe than those of tobacco and alcohol, a dedicated law should be enacted to regulate its usage. Conversely, if the findings suggest otherwise, strict control measures should be enforced on the plant.
Prasitchai emphasized the need for a comprehensive study on the matter to present factual information transparently to the public.
He also raised concerns that the recent shift in cannabis policy might be influenced by certain government entities aiming to safeguard the interests of prominent stakeholders who could profit from reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic under the guise of public welfare.
Recently, the committee under the Public Health Ministry supporting drug regulations backed the reclassification of cannabis and hemp as narcotics, except for certain parts like branches, leaves, roots, and seeds. Cannabis buds and materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are set to be criminalized once again.
During the protest, demonstrators also hinted at revealing potential connections between influential financial groups and politicians, particularly those within the ruling Pheu Thai Party leadership if necessary.
Furthermore, a community enterprise in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Phimai district is seeking government assistance for small-scale cannabis businesses impacted by the administration’s failure to promote it as a viable cash crop.
Thongchai Posawang, leading the community enterprise involved in medical cannabis cultivation, expressed concerns over the high costs associated with growing cannabis for medical purposes and the lower-than-expected returns. The group has faced significant losses and is uncertain about regaining their investments.
Thongchai highlighted the community’s worries about the future of cannabis farming and questioned if farmers would still be permitted to cultivate the plant for medical use and exploration.
Established in 2020, the community enterprise attracted over 230 farmers to join its efforts.
