Last updated on August 22nd, 2024 at 11:42 am
โข Why It Matters: A prominent Thai doctor has expressed concerns over the potential politicization of cannabis policy, which could undermine its medical benefits.
โข Driving The News: The Health Ministryโs push to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic is facing backlash, with accusations of political retaliation.
โข What To Watch: The ongoing debate over cannabis regulation in Thailand and its implications for public health and the economy.
BANGKOK, THAILANDโA prominent Thai doctor has voiced strong criticism against the governmentโs move to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, warning that the decision may be driven by political motives rather than public health concerns. DR. PATTAPONG KETSOMBUN, a specialist in family medicine, has cautioned that using cannabis as a political tool could jeopardize the substantial health benefits it offers to millions of Thais.
The Health Ministryโs recent push to revert cannabis to a controlled substance status has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the timing following the election. DR. PATTAPONG argued that the decision could be a form of political retaliation, potentially undoing years of progress in integrating cannabis into medical treatments.
โCannabis has proven to be an effective treatment for various conditions, including Parkinsonโs disease, epilepsy, and even as a tool for substance addiction recovery,โ said DR. PATTAPONG. He emphasized that the plantโs reclassification could block access to these benefits for millions of patients, while also stunting the economic potential of a burgeoning cannabis industry.
Critics, like DR. PATTAPONG, argue that instead of focusing on the negatives, the government should highlight the positive impacts of cannabis legalization, which has already led to a significant reduction in healthcare visits and costs. The debate continues to polarize Thai society, with many questioning whether the move to reclassify cannabis is genuinely about public health or merely a political game.
Contributing Sources: Thai Post
