[VIDEO] Cannabis Advocates In Thailand Protest Reclassification, Stressing Need For Scientific Review And Effect On Economy

The battle between anti-cannabis and pro-cannabis groups in Thailand has intensified since the Committee for the Control of Narcotic Drugs approved the reclassification of hemp and cannabis as narcotics on July 5, 2024.

Pro-cannabis advocates gathered to push for a Cannabis Act and oppose its reclassification as a narcotic. On July 8, about 100 members of the Thai Cannabis Future Network, led by Prasitchai Noonuan, marched from the United Nations headquarters to Government House to submit a proposal to the government. They called for cannabis to be regulated under a special cannabis law to resolve conflicts according to international standards, reported Bangkok Post.

Protesters also threatened to expose alleged ties between influential financial groups and politicians, particularly those in the ruling Pheu Thai Party leadership.

Trust In Science

In what seems to be the chosen strategy to defy the decriminalization policies, pro-cannabis groups are pushing for the establishment of a scientific committee to study the impacts of cannabis, comparing its health risks and societal effects to those of tobacco and alcohol. They argue that without evidence showing significant harm, cannabis should not be reclassified as a narcotic.

“A committee should study the issue. The facts should be established and laid out for the public to see,” Noonuan said, adding that the network proposed forming a joint committee to research cannabis in four dimensions:

• Whether cannabis poses more health risks than cigarettes and alcohol.
• Whether cannabis has caused more severe social harm in the last two years compared to cigarettes and alcohol.
• Whether the medicinal properties of cannabis are superior to those of cigarettes and alcohol.
• Whether cannabis causes psychiatric disorders and brain damage in young people, as claimed by the government.

Read Also: Thailand Politicians Take Next Step To Make Marijuana Illegal Again Provoking National Protests

On Monday, protesters threatened to expose alleged ties between influential financial groups and politicians, particularly those in the ruling Pheu Thai Party leadership.

Cannabis Perspectives

Hiranrat Mahadisthadakul, a director and secretary of the Hemp and Cannabis Industry Association (HCIA), stated that the association, with over 20 member companies and investments of millions of dollars, does not support the reclassification. They prefer regulation under a special cannabis law for more business flexibility. “We have invested on the basis of clear government policy, not the policy of a particular party,” she told Khaosod.

Meanwhile, Thongchai Posawang, leader of a community enterprise growing medical cannabis, urged the government to assist small-scale cannabis businesses affected by inconsistent policies. He highlighted the high costs and challenges faced by farmers growing cannabis for medical use.

Cannabis Regulations Crisis

Thailand’s cannabis industry is currently facing a hard moment. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced plans to re-criminalize cannabis by the end of 2024, reversing the 2022 decriminalization. This move has raised concerns among business owners who have invested heavily in the industry based on the previous liberalization policies. Some entrepreneurs are threatening legal action and protests to oppose the reclassification.

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