In a bold move against the government’s latest stance on cannabis, pro-cannabis groups are gearing up to stage a protest outside Government House tomorrow. This comes in response to the Public Health Ministry’s committee’s nod to reclassify both cannabis and hemp as narcotic drugs. The committee’s decision means that, except for their branches, leaves, roots, and seeds, cannabis and hemp will be labeled as narcotics. Moreover, cannabis buds and materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also fall under the narcotic category. With the majority in favor, this change is set to roll out on January 1 of the coming year, provided the Office of the Narcotics Control Board concurs.
Prasitchai Nunual, the passionate secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis’ Future pro-cannabis group, announced an upcoming rally outside Government House to oppose the move. He expressed that the committee’s decision doesn’t reflect public interest and may even constitute an administrative offence. Nunual is prepared to escalate the issue legally, threatening criminal and civil lawsuits against Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin and the committee. Additionally, he’s set to launch a vigorous public campaign to challenge them.
Meanwhile, Panthep Puapongpan, a committee member who staunchly voted against the relisting, voiced his concerns on Facebook. He argued that reclassifying cannabis under the narcotics code won’t address the core issues related to its use. “The real solution lies in passing special legislation. This is the only way to clearly define the dos and don’ts regarding cannabis and to systematically protect non-users,” he remarked.
Adding to the stir, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday cautioned the Public Health Ministry of impending tough questions post-relisting. Anutin pointed out an intriguing fact—the same committee that previously backed the decriminalization of cannabis is now recommending its reclassification. Hence, they owe the public a clear rationale for this flip-flop decision. “We’ve eased regulations to let people benefit from cannabis. But now, what happens to those cultivating it? Will they be prosecuted? And what about the approximately 8,000 cannabis-related offenders who were released in June 2022?” he questioned.
This unfolding drama in the cannabis saga is rife with tension and uncertainty. The upcoming protest and the Ministry’s subsequent actions promise to be a gripping episode in Thailand’s ongoing cannabis debate. Stay tuned, as this story is far from over.
This whole reclassification is an absurd reversal. I can’t believe the same committee is now saying it’s a narcotic again. What exactly are they smoking?
Well, maybe they realized the initial decision was too rushed and needed a rethink. Better safe than sorry with substances like THC.
But what about the farmers who relied on the previous decision and invested heavily in cannabis?
It really does feel like a betrayal, especially for those who trusted the government’s earlier stance and built businesses around it.
Why can’t they just regulate it properly instead of this back-and-forth nonsense? Other countries have managed to do so.
Exactly! Thailand could benefit economically and medically from a stable cannabis policy.
The real problem is misinformation and lack of proper research. We need a clear and scientific approach to cannabis regulation.
Honestly, the government has no idea what they’re doing. First, they decriminalize it, and now they flip-flop. What’s next, banning alcohol?
Don’t give them any ideas! But seriously, this kind of inconsistency undermines trust in the government.
Reclassifying cannabis will disproportionately affect marginalized communities. It’s a step backward in terms of social justice.
Yep. It’s always the poor and vulnerable who pay the highest price for these kinds of policy shifts.
Maybe this will push for more comprehensive legislation that actually addresses these disparities.
I think Nunual’s protest is much needed. The government needs to know people won’t stand for such erratic policy changes.
What about the medical benefits of cannabis? This reclassification could hinder access for patients who genuinely need it.
Exactly, I have a relative who uses CBD for epilepsy. This could make it so much harder for us to get the medication she needs.
From an academic perspective, this reclassification lacks empirical support. The evidence for the risks associated with cannabis use is far outweighed by its medicinal benefits.
If they classify cannabis as a narcotic again, they’ll criminalize countless people for minor offenses. That’s not justice, that’s insanity.
I actually agree with the reclassification. As a parent, I’m worried about how accessible cannabis is becoming. Teens can easily get their hands on it.
But even if it’s reclassified, teenagers will still find ways to get it. Education and proper regulation are a better solution.
This back-and-forth on cannabis policy highlights the incompetence in our government. They need to make a decision and stick with it.
How can anyone trust a government that changes its stance on important issues like drug policy from one day to the next?
If the government really cared about public health, they’d invest more in education about safe cannabis use rather than just banning it.
I’m curious to see how this protest unfolds. Hopefully, it will bring more attention to how ridiculous this reclassification is.
It’s important to keep the pressure on the government to rethink this decision. Protests like Nunual’s are crucial.
Absolutely. Change doesn’t happen by staying silent. We need collective action.
Honestly, the government’s inconsistency on this issue shows they don’t really understand cannabis or its impact.
They really don’t. If they did, they wouldn’t be flip-flopping like this. This is ridiculous.
Agreed. We need informed leaders to make these decisions.
Reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic is a huge mistake. Just look at the benefits it’s provided for mental health and chronic pain patients.
What will happen to all those people who invested in cannabis businesses? Are they just supposed to absorb that financial loss?
Government decisions should be reliable. This policy change is literally making people’s lives unstable.
Prasitchai Nunual better have a solid plan for this protest. The government needs to see the backlash firsthand.
Agreed. Direct action is the only way to force the government to reconsider.
It’s ridiculous that the same committee who decriminalized it wants to classify it as a narcotic. They need to make up their minds!