Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated that relisting cannabis as a narcotic could facilitate better control of the plant’s use, especially for beneficial purposes like medicinal applications. The government’s objective is to authorize cannabis for medicinal use to improve public health and stimulate economic growth. This stance follows increasing demands from pro-cannabis segments and political entities to regulate its usage rather than outright banning it.
Minister Somsak referred to the cannabis and hemp bill introduced by the Bhumjaithai Party in the previous parliamentary session, after cannabis was removed from the Narcotic Drug List in June 2022. Although the bill passed its initial reading, it was rejected during the subsequent reading in the lower House due to identified shortcomings.
The absence of clear regulations resulted in a surge of businesses selling cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, leading to rising concerns about public cannabis consumption. The government has yet to clarify the overall impact of its proposed bill on the cannabis industry.
Dismissing claims of bias towards anti-cannabis groups, Minister Somsak explained that both opposing and supporting groups have been given opportunities to present their viewpoints since mid-May. He emphasized that permits will be mandatory for cultivating and utilizing cannabis for medical and research purposes, with recreational use strictly prohibited under the forthcoming legislation. Minister Somsak assured that the permit system will not unduly burden the public, and a grace period will be provided for adjustment.
Meanwhile, the Bhumjaithai Party has questioned the government’s assertion that the legalization of cannabis has led to increased healthcare costs related to abuse, citing a substantial rise from 3 billion baht pre-decriminalization to 20 billion baht in the past year. Minister Somsak referenced official data to support these claims.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, representing the Bhumjaithai Party, emphasized the need for the government to clearly justify the decision to relist cannabis as a narcotic, particularly after previously legalizing it. He highlighted the importance of explaining changes that would warrant such a reversal and addressing the surge in medicinal cannabis use. Mr. Anutin emphasized that Bhumjaithai’s move to decriminalize cannabis fulfilled its electoral promise, underscoring the necessity for a transparent explanation in any potential policy shifts impacting investors in the cannabis industry.
