Last updated on June 24th, 2024 at 09:46 am
- Why It Matters: Understanding public opinion on cannabis reclassification helps shape effective policies.
- The Big Picture: The survey reveals a significant portion of the population supports cannabis for medical use but opposes its recreational legalization.
- Driving The News: A recent NIDA poll indicates a strong public preference for reinstating cannabis as a controlled substance.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – A recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has shed light on public opinion regarding the status of cannabis in Thailand. According to the survey, 60% of respondents support reclassifying cannabis as a controlled substance, restricting its use to medical purposes only.
The poll, conducted from May 14-15, 2024, included responses from 1,310 participants. It aimed to gauge public sentiment towards the government’s cannabis policy. The findings reveal a nuanced perspective among the Thai population.
When asked whether cannabis should be considered a narcotic, 53.74% of respondents agreed, acknowledging its potential benefits. However, 33.59% saw it as a narcotic without any benefits, while 11.60% did not consider it a narcotic at all.
In terms of policy, a significant 74.58% of participants believe that cannabis should be used strictly for medical and therapeutic purposes. Conversely, 19.39% oppose any governmental support for cannabis or its products, and 10.53% are in favor of legalizing cannabis-based products.
The public’s opinion on reinstating cannabis as a controlled substance shows a majority of 60.38% in strong agreement, with an additional 15.27% somewhat agreeing. Opposition to this reclassification stands at 14.50%, with 8.93% slightly disagreeing.
The survey also explored the public’s stance on compensating cannabis farmers and businesses if the reclassification occurs. Nearly half of the respondents (46.95%) oppose any compensation, while 35.03% support compensation for both farmers and businesses. Only a small percentage (10.08%) believe that only farmers should be compensated.
Interestingly, 68.93% of the participants reported having no personal experience with cannabis, while 31.07% admitted to having some interaction. Among those with experience, 52.58% have used cannabis in food or drinks, 34.64% have smoked or consumed it, 22.36% used it for medical purposes, 15.97% have grown it, and 0.98% have engaged in its commercial processing or trade.
These insights from the NIDA poll highlight the complex and varied perspectives of the Thai public on cannabis policy, emphasizing a strong inclination towards medical use while maintaining strict control over recreational use.
Contributing Sources: Bangkok Biz News
