Last updated on August 22nd, 2024 at 05:52 am
โข Driving The News: A new proposal in Thailand suggests regulating cannabis as a narcotic under strict conditions, allowing sales only with a prescription.
โข Why It Matters: This proposal aims to resolve political tensions between parties and ensure that medical access to cannabis remains available.
โข What To Watch: The proposalโs impact on the ongoing debate in Thailand regarding cannabis legalization and its potential effects on businesses and healthcare.
BANGKOK, THAILANDโIn a bid to resolve the ongoing political conflict surrounding cannabis regulation, a new proposal has been introduced that seeks to classify cannabis as a conditional narcotic. PANATEP PUAPONGPUN, Dean of the College of Oriental Medicine at Rangsit University, suggests that cannabis flowers, resin, and extracts be regulated under the Narcotics Act but remain accessible for medical use through prescriptions.
This approach is intended to address concerns from both the Bhumjaithai Party, which supports cannabis decriminalization, and the Pheu Thai Party, which favors stricter controls. PANATEP emphasized that this proposal could prevent the complete reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic, which would disrupt businesses and medical access, while still imposing necessary regulations to prevent misuse.
The proposal outlines five key principles, including legal protection for lawful users, open medical use across all professions, and maintaining business confidence by ensuring that compliant cannabis products are not classified as narcotics. PANATEP also called for immediate implementation of these regulations, without waiting until January 2025, to address public concerns and maintain economic stability in the cannabis sector.
As the government considers this proposal, it could represent a critical compromise in Thailandโs ongoing debate over cannabis, balancing the need for regulation with the benefits of medical and economic opportunities.
Contributing Sources: Matichon
