Thailand's Cannabis Reversal Intensifies: Advocates Want Government To Provide Scientific Justification For Recriminalizing Marijuana

Tensions are rising in Thailand as pro-cannabis advocates are protesting the Ministry of Public Health’s recent decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, reported Bangkok Post. Advicates want the government to scientifically justify reclassifying cannabis, pointing out authorities are easing up on control over alcohol.

Demand For Scientific Evidence

At the heart of the protests, advocates led by Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the Cannabis Future Network, are demanding that the ministry provide evidence comparing the health risks and benefits of cannabis with those of alcohol and cigarettes. They assert that without concrete evidence showing significant health risks, cannabis should not be categorized as a narcotic.

The government promises to consider various opinions before making a final decision through the Narcotics Control Board, suggesting the possibility of retaining some legal uses of cannabis despite the potential reclassification. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin hinted that even if reclassified, cannabis might still be used for medical purposes.

Farmer’s Insight On Market Impact

A paradox arises as some farmers, affected by the price drop due to oversupply following the 2022 decriminalization, are reported to support the government’s stance to reclassify cannabis as a means to get better prices. Since decriminalization, more than 90% of the farmland and flower stocks owned by a network of 435 farmers have sat idle due to low prices.

Surprising Regulatory Turnaround

Last week marked a significant shift in Thailand’s cannabis policy as the new Prime minister announced plans to reintroduce strict regulations in a continued effort to re-criminalize the plant. Thavisin declared that cannabis would be reclassified as a Category 5 narcotic, aligning it with highly controlled substances like heroin and cocaine. This move represents a drastic change from Thailand’s previous liberal approach and is sparkling considerable opposition from almost 8000 operators affected by the reversal in Thai cannabis policy.