BANGKOK, July 8 (TNA) – Following the decision of the Narcotics Control Board, the Ministry of Public Health to reclassify cannabis as a Caterogy 5 narcotic, the Thai Cannabis Future Writing Network has protested outside the Government House today.
They urged the government to conduct a comprehensive study on the benefits and harms of cannabis before implementing regulations, rather than simply reclassifying it.
The network marched from the UN building, carrying signs and cannabis plants, to submit a proposal.
Their secretary-general, Prasitchai Noonuan said the main proposal is to establish a joint committee to research four areas – health effects compared to cigarettes and alcohol, societal impact over the past two years, potential for disease treatment, and the government’s claims of mental illness and brain damage risks in youth.
Their proposal suggests using the research results to determine the appropriate legal framework. If cannabis is found to be no more harmful than cigarettes and alcohol, and doesn’t cause mental illness or brain damage in children, the Cannabis and Hemp Act would be used for control. However, if deemed more harmful, it would fall under narcotics laws.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the PM’s Office Mongkolchai Somudorn received the petition at 2:20 PM, stating he would submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration.
The draft, approved by the Ministry of Public Health earlier this month will classify cannabis and hemp, including flowers and extracts with THC content exceeding 0.2%, as narcotics. This excludes stems, stalks, roots, leaves, and seeds.
The Ministry of Public Health will submit the resolution to the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) under the Ministry of Justice.
The ONCB will then decide whether to agree with the resolution or not and suggest any additional points at its meeting later this month. The final decision will be sent back to the Ministry of Public Health to consider signing and publishing in the Royal Gazette to take effect on January 1, 2025.
If cannabis is reclassified as a narcotic, it will only be permissible for medical use with proper authorization. Recreational use will lead to legal action by the ONCB. Cannabis businesses will need to comply with the new ministerial regulations, allowing sales solely for medical purposes. -819 (TNA)
