Highlighted against the backdrop of the Asia International Hemp Expo in Bangkok, November 2022, cannabis plants held spectators in awe. This intriguing Plant Parade foregrounded a significant sets of events orchestrated by Public Health Ministry, lead by Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
The minister provided an enlightening update – the first draft of the much-debated Cannabis-Hemp Act has, at last, reached its completion. He emphasized that this pioneering legislation has not reinterpreted cannabis as a narcotic, unlike its preceding versions with 94 sections. The current iteration, trimmed down to a lean 70 sections, addresses diverse public apprehensions, and fills gaps that previously allowed room for non-medical cannabis usage.
The clarified law continues to categorize cannabis as a regulated herb. Moreover, extractions with a THC concentration of over 0.2% remain under the narcotic classification. Minister Cholnan made it clear that the ministry backs medicinal applications of cannabis, while recreational utilization is off-limits. A strict mandate has been invoked: personal cannabis cultivation, even if procured for personal use, is only permissible with unequivocal authority under the newly amended law.
The original Cannabis and Hemp law loosened restrictions, giving households the ability to cultivate up to 15 cannabis plants for personal usage, such as treating certain ailments, provided they informed local governing bodies. The recent legislation, however, necessitates the acquisition of permission beforehand.
Established cannabis retailers with existing licensing can proceed with their operations, provided they comply with the fresh set of norms. Actions like outlawing cannabis smoking within their establishments and the prohibition of sales of desiccated cannabis buds have been outlined. Additionally, the new law provides clarity on locations where the sale or use of cannabis is prohibited.
“We’re not aiming at shutting down all cannabis outlets,” Minister Cholnan iterated, “Adhering to the rule of law is paramount. The updated law restricts the sale of cannabis buds for smoking and bans the availability of tools meant for smoking within the shop premises. Previously, controlling usage was a struggle, but with these amendments, recreational cannabis usage will be strictly forbidden.”
The uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of smoking cannabis within one’s own sanctuary is a complexity that remains unresolved. The ministry is eager to receive public opinion on this grey area.
The Minister was questioned if dedicated legislation is required to manage cannabis and hemp separately. He acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that as per the present law, hemp is viewed as a cannabis variant, albeit with lower THC thresholds.
In a display of inclusive governance, the Ministry plans to make the drafted law publicly accessible for review and feedback around mid-December. Open for a fortnight, this window will allow the public to voice their thoughts, which will be thoroughly analyzed by the minister. This feedback will be instrumental in contemplating potential updates before the legislation is presented to the cabinet.
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