The drafting of the cannabis and hemp control bill is still underway and has not yet been forwarded to the cabinet for approval, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. The ministry has provided its views on the bill and cannabis to the cabinet, following a request from the Prime Minister’s secretariat. The drafting process is expected to be completed next week.
Criticism has been raised by advocates of cannabis legalization, as the endorsement of the draft bill by Dr Cholnan did not involve consultation with the civil sector as promised earlier. However, the minister remains firm in his belief that cannabis should only be used for medical purposes, aligning with the prime minister’s policy statement.
Under the planned legislation, cannabis extracts with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content exceeding 0.2% would be classified as narcotics. Existing cannabis shops are permitted to operate since they were granted permission as business establishments, but the focus of the bill will be on controlling misuse of cannabis.
Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, expressed concerns about the impact of restricting cannabis to medical use only. He highlighted that cannabis is a draw for foreign tourists, particularly in areas like Khao San Road, which generates substantial revenue. He suggested the government consider designating specific zones for cannabis, such as tourist areas.
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