Photo credit: Chanat Katanyu
A significant increase in costs for cannabis-related treatment, rising from 3 billion to 20 billion baht last year, has been reported by the Public Health Ministry. The surge in expenses is attributed to a rise in cannabis usage among the population.
Minister Somsak Thepsutin, speaking during a public hearing focused on cannabis usage and its societal repercussions, highlighted the growing number of individuals falling ill and experiencing mental health concerns following the decriminalization of cannabis. The government allocates an annual budget for treating individuals enrolled in the universal healthcare program.
Minister Somsak stated, “The budget for treating patients who have used cannabis has escalated significantly, from approximately 3 billion baht, since cannabis was removed from the list of narcotic drugs, to 20 billion baht last year. This substantial increase is a cause for concern regarding cannabis consumption.”
Moreover, research conducted in the US revealed that children experienced an eight to nine-point drop in IQ after using cannabis, as the substance impacts brain development in young individuals. Minister Somsak expressed the government’s unease regarding these findings.
The public hearing held over the weekend, attended by youths, medical professionals, and civil society groups, is a part of the government’s initiative to potentially reinstate cannabis, particularly cannabis buds, as a narcotic substance by the end of this year. Presently, the regulations consider cannabis extracts containing over 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as a narcotic.
Kriangkrai Puengchuea from the Substance Abuse Academic Foundation noted the proliferation of 7,700 cannabis shops across the country following the legalization of the plant. These shops offer dry cannabis buds and related products for recreational use, leading to concerns. Additionally, a survey conducted in a Western country indicated that 40% of heroin users began their drug usage with cannabis.
Health professionals voiced worries about the addictive nature of cannabis, highlighting mental health issues that arise from prolonged usage, including IQ reduction and mental disorders. Concerns were also raised about the possibilities of suicide attempts among heavy users and the contamination of breast milk through cannabis consumption.
Arthit Satienwaree, from the Youth Network Against Cannabis (YNAC), emphasized the low public awareness surrounding cannabis usage, leading to misconceptions and misuse of the plant. YNAC supports the government’s move to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic due to widespread concerns regarding its impact on the health of teenagers and children.
