Last updated on June 25th, 2024 at 08:37 am
- Driving The News: Dr. Pipat Nonthanathorn, President of the Research Association of Thailand, advises Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin to develop a five-year cannabis master plan and push for comprehensive cannabis legislation.
- Why It Matters: Establishing clear standards and strategic planning for cannabis regulation is crucial for Thailand’s public health and economic growth.
- The Big Picture: Avoiding the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic and focusing on scientific research and education can help Thailand lead in global cannabis policy.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Dr. PIPAT NONTHANATHORN, President of the Research Association of Thailand, has strongly advised Health Minister SOMSAK THEPSUTHIN to develop a comprehensive five-year master plan for cannabis. He emphasized the need for creating international standards for cannabis and swiftly pushing for the passage of cannabis legislation to avoid confusion and inconsistency in the country’s cannabis policy.
Dr. Pipat expressed concerns about the potential reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic, warning that such a move could make Thailand appear indecisive and erratic on the global stage. He highlighted that many countries, including Germany and the United States, are moving towards the legalization and regulation of cannabis for medical use. Reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would reverse the progress Thailand has made and could undermine the country’s position as a leader in cannabis research and policy.
He pointed out that previous efforts to decriminalize cannabis were based on extensive research and were not taken lightly. Reversing this decision without substantial new evidence could damage Thailand’s credibility. Dr. Pipat stressed the importance of educating the public about the benefits and risks of cannabis, noting that misconceptions and outdated views still persist.
Dr. Pipat also criticized the lack of a coordinated effort to integrate cannabis education into schools and communities. He mentioned that the Ministry of Education and religious institutions have banned cannabis without adequately informing the public about its medicinal uses and benefits. This lack of education perpetuates the stigma surrounding cannabis.
To address these issues, Dr. Pipat proposed the following steps:
- Develop a Five-Year Cannabis Master Plan: This plan should outline the goals and strategies for the cannabis industry, including production targets and economic contributions.
- Establish Comprehensive Cannabis Standards: Create national and international standards for cannabis cultivation, processing, and distribution to ensure quality and safety.
- Pass Dedicated Cannabis Legislation: Implement specific laws to regulate cannabis use, addressing public health concerns while promoting medical and economic benefits.
Dr. Pipat emphasized that the government must take a proactive approach to cannabis regulation, focusing on scientific evidence and public education. He warned that failing to do so could lead to a backlash and further confusion.
Contributing Sources: INN News
