Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, made an announcement on Wednesday regarding the country’s stance on cannabis. He expressed his administration’s determination to relist cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024. In a post on his social media account, he emphasized his strict approach to illicit narcotics and called for the adoption of new legislation by the Public Health Ministry, allowing only medical cannabis use.
Thailand is set to become one of the first Asian countries to decriminalize marijuana in 2022. However, the lack of a comprehensive law led to an unintended surge in recreational usage. The previous government failed to approve a cannabis measure, but the Ministry of Public Health has now drafted a new bill. The former minister, Cholnan Srikaew, believed that this bill would pass through Parliament by the end of 2024.
Dr. Cholnan’s proposed measure aims to clearly define the permitted medicinal uses of cannabis while also outlining the types of use that would be prohibited. However, following the recent government upheaval, the new minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has expressed the need to gather public opinions before making a final decision on the future of cannabis. He assured the public that the decision-making process would not be prolonged.
Addressing the country’s drug problem, Prime Minister Srettha emphasized that it is a vital national priority. He called for collaboration among all agencies to effectively tackle the issue, expecting to see tangible results within 90 days. He expressed concern over the impact drugs have on the future of the country and the increasing number of young people who are addicted. He emphasized the need to swiftly confiscate assets from drug dealers and expand treatment options.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Srettha voiced his opposition to a controversial health ministry regulation known as the “five-pill rule,” which pertains to methamphetamine possession. This rule, also proposed by Dr. Cholnan, aimed to differentiate between users and dealers based on the quantity of methamphetamine in possession. However, the National Narcotics Act lacks a specific definition of a “small amount” for personal consumption.
Dr. Cholnan proposed that individuals in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine for personal use should not face prosecution if they agree to seek treatment. The regulation stipulated a maximum of five tablets. In contrast, Prime Minister Srettha suggested setting the amount for personal consumption at one tablet, eliminating the need for a specific definition of a small quantity.
While the decision to re-criminalize cannabis is being made, Thailand is witnessing a rapid growth in its domestic marijuana retail industry. Thousands of shops and businesses have opened in the past two years, with estimates suggesting that the industry could be worth up to $1.2 billion by 2025. However, Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the Cannabis Future Network, warns that reverting the laws would have detrimental effects on the economy, leading to the closure of many small enterprises and negatively impacting consumers.
In conclusion, Thailand’s Prime Minister is determined to relist cannabis as a narcotic, focusing on medical use only. The country’s drug problem is a priority, and efforts are being made to combat it effectively. The proposed legislation aims to clearly define the permitted uses of cannabis, while public opinions are being sought to make informed decisions. The debate regarding the re-criminalization of cannabis coincides with the growth of the domestic marijuana retail industry, leading to concerns about its impact on the economy and small businesses.