Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul exuded confidence yesterday, asserting that a bill aimed at regulating cannabis will be enacted into law during the current coalition government’s tenure. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has loudly voiced its call for a blanket ban on the recreational use of cannabis.
Although the Bhumjaithai Party had already submitted a version of the bill to the House last September, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has crafted another draft. This new draft, prepared for former health minister Cholnan Srikaew, will also be presented to the House for deliberation alongside the Bhumjaithai proposal, according to Anutin.
Interestingly, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin made a significant shift on Tuesday by retracting the government’s earlier intention to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. This comes two years after the plant’s decriminalization, causing quite the stir among policymakers and the general public alike.
When questioned about his confidence that the cannabis control bill will garner enough support from the coalition parties this time around, unlike previous failed attempts, Anutin expressed strong optimism. “I believe in the PM’s commitment and clear directive to push for the bill’s passage,” he stated. “Additionally, the current coalition boasts up to 314 votes to advocate for the cannabis control bill, a stark contrast to the previous coalition’s 253,” he noted.
On May 8, Prime Minister Srettha instructed the MoPH to amend its regulations to potentially reclassify cannabis as a narcotic while strictly permitting its use for medical and health promotion purposes only.
The health advocacy group leading a public campaign for cannabis reclassification has presented scientific evidence suggesting a correlation between rising cannabis abuse and an upsurge in health and mental health issues among users. They argue that the PM’s current plan to introduce a new regulatory law will still leave open loopholes that could legalize cannabis use for recreational purposes.
In a passionate statement released yesterday, the advocacy group urged the government to first reclassify cannabis as a narcotic to halt its abuse. Following this, they proposed that an essential law should be urgently passed to sanction its use for strictly medical purposes. The group believes this dual approach would be the ideal solution to quell the ongoing discord among parties with differing opinions on the matter.
I can’t believe they’re thinking about reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic again. It’s just a plant!
Yeah, but it’s a plant that people abuse. We need to be cautious.
Education over prohibition, Jonny. Prohibition doesn’t work.
Sarah, I totally agree! People need to be informed rather than punished.
From a medical perspective, cannabis has potential, but without proper regulations, it can be a public health disaster.
Exactly! That’s why strict control is essential. The bill should reflect that.
Jackie, stringent regulations and continuous research are the keys. Loopholes can be detrimental.
I agree, but do you really think the government can handle this without making it worse?
Cannabis should be completely legal! It’s safer than alcohol.
Just because it’s safer doesn’t mean it’s safe. Look at kids abusing it!
Linda, regulation and education can prevent abuse. Outright banning it pushes it underground.
I think Anutin’s confidence in the bill is concerning. He’s dismissing valid health concerns.
Right! The health advocacy group is presenting concrete evidence and it feels like he’s ignoring it.
Exactly, David. Science should lead policy, not political convenience.
I support legal medical cannabis, but how will this bill guarantee it’s not recreationally used?
The bill needs strict enforcement clauses to prevent that, but that’s easier said than done.
Oliver, good enforcement is what matters. Otherwise, it’s just talk.
Decriminalization improved accessibility for patients in need. Reclassifying it as a narcotic is a step backwards.
Politicians are just after votes. They don’t care about real reforms.
Sadly, that’s often true. But this issue affects real lives; they need to act responsibly.
I’m curious how other countries have handled this issue. Any success stories out there?
Canada and some states in the US did a decent job with regulation, but it’s not perfect.
Fiona, Portugal’s drug policy could be a good model too. They focus on health, not punishment.
I don’t think the coalition can really pull this off. There are too many disagreements.
But they have more votes this time. Maybe this is the push they need.
True, Cheery. But votes don’t necessarily mean consensus on the details.
Cannabis should be treated like any other medicine—strictly supervised.
Thailand is trying to modernize, but this cannabis debate shows how divided we still are.
People just want to get high! We need more rehab centers, not more legal drugs.
Does anyone else feel like the science is being ignored here? Data should drive decisions.
I think the advocacy group is trying, Larry. But politics always complicates things.
True, Ella. But strong public pressure can force politicians to listen.
I don’t see why people are against recreational use. Alcohol is much worse and socially accepted.
Bryan, society doesn’t need more substances to abuse. We should focus on education.
Cindy, education is key, but adults should have the freedom to choose.
This bill needs to clearly define limits and uses. Vague laws will just create more problems.
Anutin seems overly confident. The opposition is stronger than he thinks.