Dozens of pro-cannabis advocates gathered at the health ministry in Nonthaburi, Thailand, to oppose the government's intention to relist cannabis as a narcotic, two years after its decriminalization. The rally was a response to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's recent statement expressing his desire to reclassify the plant by the end of the year.
Thailand made history in 2022 by becoming the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis for medical purposes. However, concerns have arisen due to the unregulated nature of the market, leading to public backlash over potential misuse and crime.
Approximately 30 individuals petitioned Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, advocating for proper regulation of cannabis without the need for it to be relisted as a narcotic. They highlighted potential negative economic impacts on the emerging cannabis industry if such a reclassification were to occur.
The decriminalization of cannabis in 2022 was championed by the Bhumjaithai Party, particularly in the impoverished northeast region, where farmers were promised that cannabis cultivation could become a lucrative cash crop. The party's efforts led to cannabis being removed from the list of controlled substances under an amendment to the Narcotics Law.
Minister Somsak, who recently assumed his position in a cabinet reshuffle, assured the group that he would consider their demands. He reiterated his stance that cannabis should be strictly for medical purposes and not for recreational use.
Cannabis shop owner and activist Chokwan 'Kitty' Chopaka criticized the government's policy reversal, suggesting that it may be more politically motivated than based on scientific evidence. She emphasized that despite legalization, the stigma surrounding cannabis persists.
