- Why It Matters: Recent comments by Thailand’s Prime Minister suggest potential policy changes around cannabis, sparking heated debates.
- The Big Picture: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL highlights cannabis’s economic benefits and medicinal uses, advocating for sensible regulation.
- What To Watch: The outcome could potentially disrupt numerous existing laws and regulations related to cannabis use and hamper progress in the country’s nascent cannabis industry.
CHIANG RAI, THAILAND – In light of recent suggestions from Thailand’s Prime Minister about possibly classifying cannabis as a narcotic again, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL reasserts that cannabis has significant medical innovations and economic advantages. ANUTIN indicates any alteration to the current approach necessitates a thorough assessment of myriad legal ramifications.
On April 1, 2024, at the Ministry of Interior, Anutin addressed a report that claimed the Prime Minister suggested reinstating cannabis as a drug. He elucidates that, yet unverified, the news requires careful examination. The current administration anchors its cannabis policy firmly on medical application, economic promotion, and research facilitation. This stance was made apparent during the Prime Minister’s address in parliamentary sessions.
From his previous term as the Minister of Public Health, Anutin has been a consistent advocate for this policy, leading to its subsequent inclusion in the government’s strategy. If changes were to occur now, various existing laws and regulations would need modification. These include Ministry of Public Health rules and Department of Thai Traditional Medicine directives, among others.
As the country monitors this emerging issue, Anutin states, “If used correctly, hemp, marijuana, have beneficial economic value and health potential.”
Contributing Sources: [KhaoSod]
