In response to the Public Health Ministry committee’s decision to support reclassifying cannabis and hemp as narcotics, pro-cannabis groups have announced their intention to demonstrate outside Government House on Monday. The reclassification would consider cannabis and hemp as narcotic plants, excluding only branches, leaves, roots, and seeds. Additionally, cannabis buds and any items with over 0.2% THC would also be classified as narcotics, pending approval from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and set to take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future group, criticized the committee’s decision as not aligning with public interests and potentially constituting an administrative offense. He threatened legal action against Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the committee, and vowed to initiate a public campaign against them.
Committee member Panthep Puapongpan, who dissented the relisting, argued on Facebook that the current narcotics legislation would not effectively address cannabis-related issues, advocating instead for dedicated laws on cannabis usage to provide clearer guidelines and protection for non-users.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul cautioned the Public Health Ministry about the implications of the reclassification, urging them to address concerns from the public. He questioned the fate of individuals involved in cannabis cultivation and the status of those previously convicted of cannabis-related offenses following their release in June 2022.
