Intriguing developments are underway at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, as the formation of a dedicated panel to evaluate the finer details of a newly proposed cannabis bill has been announced. The unshakeable stance from the ministry remains that cannabis should solely be utilized for medicinal reasons and health benefits. The authority re-emphasized that the use of cannabis for recreational enjoyment should remain off-limits.
Public Health Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, affirmed the necessity of a defined law to govern the production, distribution, and usage of cannabis. The intended law’s objective would be to ensure the plant’s usage strictly remains within the health and medicinal domain, keeping its recreational usage strictly out of the equation. However, this firm standpoint from the ministry does not put a damper on the actions of the Bhumjaithai Party.
As an independent political entity, the Party had already brought a cannabis and hemp bill before parliament, securing its first reading in June of last year. The Minister signaled that duties of the newly formed committee would include a comprehensive review of this existing bill. The aim of such an exercise is to uncover any necessary adjustments that might be required.
After dedicating sufficient time and resources to the study, the findings will be submitted before the cabinet. The cabinet would then make crucial decisions regarding whether the bill should proceed as is, require amendments, or be replaced with an entirely new proposal altogether. “Regardless of whether we advance with the existing bill or opt to introduce a new, more fitting one, I am unwavering in the conviction that stringent laws must be enacted to monitor the usage of cannabis,” stated Dr. Cholnan.
The Minister further reiterated the need to impose a blanket ban on utilizing cannabis for recreational purposes. He warned that inappropriate usage could have potentially harmful implications for consumers, thus supporting the ministry’s stance.
In an unprecedented and revolutionary move, Thailand emerged as the hero of Southeast Asia last June, becoming the first country in the region to decriminalize cannabis. In a sweeping reform, the government delisted the plant from the narcotics register, with the caveat that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content—a compound responsible for inducing psychoactive effects—should not exceed 0.2.
The decision’s primary drive is to acknowledge and exploit the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, propelling the formation of an emergent, potentially profitable cannabis economy. The authorities are endeavouring to establish cannabis and hemp as lucrative cash crop alternatives, promoting their incorporation in various sectors such as food, fashion, and cosmetics.
Imposed regulations include non-negotiable rules such as prohibiting smoking in public places, restricting the sale of cannabis to individuals below 18 years and expecting mothers. Shops dealing in cannabis must also secure valid licenses. Furthermore, an authorized license is necessary for individuals interested in cultivating cannabis for commercial or industrial applications.
Be First to Comment