Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin downplayed the presence of cannabis advocacy groups gathering outside Government House in opposition to the relisting of the plant. The protesters, led by Prasitthichai Nunual from the People’s Network for Cannabis Legislation in Thailand, launched their rally against the blacklisting of cannabis on Sunday and were prepared for an extended demonstration.
On Monday, Minister Somsak acknowledged the protesters’ exercise of their constitutional rights to voice their concerns to senior government officials. He clarified that the prime minister had not issued any specific instructions regarding the protest or the cannabis issue.
However, the Pheu Thai minister emphasized that avenues would remain open for medicinal use and economic opportunities related to cannabis. He assured that businesses would be granted a transitional period to adapt and mitigate any adverse effects of the relisting.
When questioned about the necessity of a bill to regulate cannabis amid its potential relisting as a narcotic drug, Minister Somsak stated that discussions were ongoing. He stressed the importance of adhering to current regulations until any changes were formally implemented.
Cannabis was decriminalized in 2022 following the Bhumjaithai Party’s strong advocacy during the 2019 election campaign. However, the absence of comprehensive legislation to control and oversee its usage raised concerns about potential misuse, particularly among younger demographics.
Despite a cannabis and hemp bill proposed by the Bhumjaithai Party in the previous parliamentary session passing its initial reading but ultimately being rejected during the second reading, there are speculations regarding the necessity of new laws to regulate cannabis given the government’s intention to reclassify it as a narcotic drug.
Prasitthichai noted that the cannabis advocacy groups would persist in their demonstration until legislation governing cannabis usage was established. He emphasized the need for a transparent public consultation process if the government remained determined to revert its decision, highlighting the plant’s medicinal properties and equating its status to that of tobacco or alcohol.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, urged the government to consider viewpoints from all perspectives. When asked about potential selective regulations focusing on specific cannabis components like flowers, Anutin suggested directing the query to the Public Health Minister for further clarification.
