Thursday’s protest at the health ministry in Nonthaburi, Thailand, saw dozens of pro-cannabis advocates gather to oppose the government’s plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic, two years after it was decriminalized. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his desire to have the plant relisted by the end of the year, sparking concerns among the advocates. The group argued that while cannabis should be properly regulated, relisting it as a narcotic would have negative economic impacts on the industry.
The decriminalization of cannabis in Thailand in 2022 was led by the Bhumjaithai Party, particularly in the impoverished northeast region where farmers were promised that cannabis could become a profitable cash crop. Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who became health minister in the previous government, played a crucial role in dropping cannabis from the list of controlled substances. However, with the current government considering relisting cannabis as a narcotic, concerns have arisen about the future of the industry.
Health minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who was recently appointed in a cabinet reshuffle, stated that he would take the demands of the advocates into consideration. Somsak reiterated his belief that cannabis should be used strictly for medical purposes and not for recreational use. Activist Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka, who owns a cannabis shop, criticized the government’s decision to rethink the policy, suggesting that it was influenced more by politics than scientific evidence. She highlighted the persistent stigma attached to cannabis, even after legalization.
The rally at the health ministry in Nonthaburi highlighted the growing divide between the government’s stance on cannabis and the opinions of pro-cannabis advocates in Thailand. While the government has hinted at relisting cannabis as a narcotic due to concerns over misuse and public safety, advocates argue that proper regulation is the key to addressing these issues. The future of the cannabis industry in Thailand hangs in the balance as policymakers grapple with the decision to potentially reverse the decriminalization of the plant.
The presence of cannabis shop owners, activists, and advocates at the protest underscored the diverse voices within the pro-cannabis community in Thailand. Many argue that relisting cannabis as a narcotic would not only hinder the economic potential of the industry but also perpetuate stigma and misconceptions surrounding the plant. As Thailand was the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis for medical purposes, there is a sense of disappointment among advocates that the government may backtrack on this progressive policy.
As the debate over the future of cannabis in Thailand continues, it remains to be seen how the government will ultimately approach the issue. With advocates pushing for proper regulation rather than a return to narcotic status, the government will need to carefully consider the economic, social, and public health implications of their decision. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching consequences for the cannabis industry in Thailand and the broader conversation around drug policy in the region.
