Last updated on August 21st, 2024 at 06:44 am
โข Why It Matters: The decision impacts both medical cannabis patients and the broader cannabis industry in Thailand.
โข Driving The News: The Thai government appears to be reconsidering the move to classify cannabis as an illegal narcotic, following public and political pushback.
โข Zoom In: Deputy Prime Minister ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL highlighted the need for legislative action rather than ministerial orders.
BANGKOK, THAILAND โ The Thai government is stepping back from plans to recriminalize cannabis as an illegal narcotic, following significant public and political pressure. Deputy Prime Minister ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL announced that any regulation on cannabis will now go through a democratic legislative process in Parliament rather than being handled by ministerial regulations. This move came after weeks of protests and advocacy by cannabis supporters who feared that reclassifying cannabis could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for possession of small amounts.
The decision was influenced by ongoing discussions among key government figures, including Prime Minister SRETTHA THAVISIN and Public Health Minister SOMSAK THEPSUTHIN. The cannabis policy is expected to be part of broader legislative efforts, which ANUTIN and the Bhumjaithai Party have been preparing for. Meanwhile, the โWriting Thailandโs Cannabis Futureโ network welcomed the decision but emphasized the need for a comprehensive cannabis law that protects users and supports the industry.
This shift in policy highlights the complexities and evolving nature of cannabis regulation in Thailand. With cannabis still legally accessible but under scrutiny, the focus now shifts to drafting and passing laws that can sustainably regulate its use.
