- Why It Matters: Thailand’s cannabis community proposes 11 key points for improving the draft Cannabis Act, emphasizing the need for clear definitions and protections.
- The Big Picture: These proposals aim to refine the legislation to better protect consumers and promote responsible use.
- Driving The News: The Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department invited public input on the draft law, leading to these community-driven suggestions.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – In a significant development for Thailand’s cannabis legislation, the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department’s recent invitation for public comments on the draft Cannabis Act has led to the cannabis community proposing 11 key points for improvement. These proposals, presented by Prasitchai Nuannoi, Secretary-General of the Thai Cannabis Network, reflect a collective effort to refine the law for better consumer protection and clarity.
The key points raised by the community include:
- A clearer definition of recreational cannabis use, with tangible measures to protect consumers.
- Proposals for household rights in using cannabis within traditional knowledge systems.
- Inclusion of public representatives in the Cannabis Committee, alongside government officials.
- Redefinition of terms to protect non-users and provide clearer guidelines.
- Streamlining the licensing process for cultivation, production, and sale of cannabis.
- Ensuring all cannabis-related activities are conducted through proper licensing.
- Establishing clear regulations on sales methods, locations, and consumer protection.
- Prohibiting recreational use but redefining it for clearer understanding and regulation.
- Protecting non-users’ rights without infringing on the rights of cannabis users.
- Aligning the powers of authorities with the status of cannabis to avoid excessive enforcement.
- Adjusting punitive measures to be proportionate and not overly severe compared to other substances like tobacco and alcohol.
Prasitchai emphasized the importance of these proposals in shaping a law that truly reflects the realities of cannabis use and protects both consumers and non-users. He clarified that the network’s stance is not against the Cannabis Act but seeks to ensure it is based on factual definitions and effective consumer protection measures.
As Thailand continues to refine its cannabis legislation, these community-driven proposals play a vital role in ensuring the law is balanced, fair, and protective of all parties involved.
Read the original article on Naewna here.
