Last updated on June 25th, 2024 at 09:40 am
- Driving The News: The Ministry of Public Health has drafted a new regulation to reclassify cannabis flowers as a Type 5 narcotic, opening it up for public consultation.
- Why It Matters: The proposed regulation could significantly impact the cannabis industry and medical use, reversing some of the progress made since cannabis decriminalization in 2022.
- The Big Picture: The government aims to balance public health concerns with the benefits of cannabis, focusing on regulating high-THC content products.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Ministry of Public Health has announced a draft regulation to reclassify cannabis and hemp flowers as narcotics, effective January 1, 2025. This move follows Prime Minister SRETTHA THAVISIN’s directive to finalize the reclassification within the year.
The proposed regulation, published on the LAW website for public consultation from June 11 to 25, 2024, aims to address concerns over cannabis misuse and its impact on public health. The draft specifies that cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) and its derivatives, such as resin, are to be classified as Type 5 narcotics. However, certain parts of the plant, including stems, fibers, and seeds, and extracts with less than 0.2% THC, are excluded from this classification.
The regulation also covers hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subsp. sativa) and similar derivatives, maintaining the same exclusions for low-THC content products. The inclusion of specific components like the inflorescence (flower) and high-THC extracts signifies a stricter control over products that have higher psychoactive potential.
This reclassification comes two years after the initial decriminalization of cannabis, which had allowed greater freedom in its use and cultivation. The current draft reflects a more conservative approach, focusing on the parts of the plant most associated with recreational use.
Health Minister SOMSAK THEPSUTHIN has emphasized the need for public input to ensure that the final regulation balances the benefits of cannabis in medicine and industry with the need to protect public health. The government plans to implement the new classification from January 1, 2025, if the proposal passes.
The draft regulation marks a significant shift in Thailand’s cannabis policy, potentially reversing some of the liberalization seen since 2022. Public consultations and scientific reviews will play a crucial role in shaping the final outcome of this regulatory change.
Contributing Sources: Bangkok Biz News
