Feeling a rush on marijuana

[webfact]

Feeling a rush on marijuana

By The Nation

 

 

Let’s have proper debate on the medical worth of cannabis, not another junta thrill ride aboard Article 44
 

Deputy Prime Minister ACM Prajin Juntong is looking at the possibility of using Article 44 of the Constitution to fast-track a legal amendment approving the medical use of marijuana. The junta-led government wants to make sure the amendment gets through the National Legislative Assembly before its tenure ends early next year.

 

The reason for the haste is not clear, since most politicians will by now be amenable to the idea and the legalisation of medical marijuana is likely to be endorsed no matter who is in power. But there has been speculation that the junta wishes to burnish its legacy with a progressive move, and if that requires invoking Article 44 yet again – the whip it has so often wielded for repressive purposes – then it could be used. 

 

The government sanctioned research on cannabis for medical use about a year ago. The results of that research are now ready to be tested on human subjects, but certain legal obstacles must first be overcome. This is where Prajin comes in, in his capacity as Justice minister, and Article 44, with its supra-legal power to clear the path for the new legislation. But the wisdom of using Article 44 is always in question.

 

Marijuana’s efficacy in the treatment of certain medical conditions has been proved elsewhere and little doubt remains about the benefits, and yet there is still debate over making it more accessible, even for medical purposes. That, say critics, opens a slippery slope to legal recreational use. The government insists that cannabis will only be legalised for medicinal purposes.

 

The junta should set aside its legislative whip and instead lay the groundwork for further discussion on the issue. It must hear out the people who disagree with any loosening of the ban on marijuana and take their voices into consideration before proceeding further. If science is not on their side, then faith might be. Opponents of cannabis often cite moral values and regard its use as a sin that should not be tolerated in a Buddhist society. That cigarettes and alcohol, which appear more harmful that marijuana, are sold under specific regulations to be consumed legally makes no difference, they say. Why legalise another vice?

 

On the other hand, of course, we are seeing proof that marijuana has medical benefits and we know the cultivation of hemp – marijuana without the psychoactive elements – could be a boon to industry in several ways. There is also the reasonable argument that, if citizens enjoy the effects of marijuana, they should be allowed to buy and consume it legally, just as smokers and boozers are free to pursue other forms of intoxication. Opponents must abandon the dated and disproved notion that marijuana users will invariably end up addicted to heroin.

 

The Office of Narcotics Control Board is currently preparing a report for government consideration on the pros and cons of legalising medical marijuana. Its recommendations should reach policymakers next week.  They need to evaluate the ramifications with open minds and not let themselves be swayed by either proponents or opponents, even as they hear them out. The dialogue will take some time, but there is no need to rush. And there’s no need either for us to again witness the spectre of Article 44. 

 

Soure: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/today_editorial/30355296

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-09-27

[Samui Bodoh]

There are two main points to this editorial.

 

"...Let’s have proper debate on the medical worth of cannabis, not another junta thrill ride aboard Article 44..."

 

It is a very valid point; Article 44 is an abomination and should never be used. The NLA is not exactly an 'independent' organization; a better way forward is to order the lazy salary-suckers to sit until they have done their job. Yes, it does mean waking a few of them up, but that is a good thing.

 

The second point;

 

"...Marijuana’s efficacy in the treatment of certain medical conditions has been proved elsewhere and little doubt remains about the benefits, and yet there is still debate over making it more accessible, even for medical purposes. That, say critics, opens a slippery slope to legal recreational use. The government insists that cannabis will only be legalised for medicinal purposes..."

 

is quite true. The research is done and it is good medicine. And yes, it is almost a certainty that it will lead to full legalization; the idea that it would ONLY be used for medical purposes is wrong.

 

The simple fact that while the 'war on drugs' was well-meant, ganja should never have been part of it. It is time to acknowledge that fact and act appropriately.

 

Stupid laws against weed have done more harm than weed itself. It is time to grow up, acknowledge that it was a mistake, and move into the future. 

 

Hey Thailand! The country in SE Asia that moves first will make a financial killing; don't you want to be that country?

 

[Chassa]

Bonus: all the hophead votes in the election!

[PatOngo]

THC, the place to be? ????

[Lupatria]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The government insists that cannabis will only be legalised for medicinal purposes.

I wonder how much the doctors will charge for a prescription, and if certain shops in Khao San Road already plan to buy copy machines with 'higher' output.

[Juan B Tong]

Using 44 for 4:20.

I'm cool with that.

Debates and discussions can follow.

[connda]

The Marijuana Industry is a fledgling industry.  There are potentially huge amounts of money to be made in the future in the cultivation of medical marijuana.  Basic economics should revel that whoever establishes the dominate 'market share' ends up the big winner over time.  So as such this issue is time constrained.  The longer the Thai government waits, the more market share they give up. 

[Lupatria]

8 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

not another junta thrill ride aboard Article 44..."

That's why I stick to my own articles. Article 144 says:

[oldrunner]

In my day, centuries ago, I found Mary Jane addled what brain power I normally had. Reminded me of an alcoholic buzz but didn't last that long.

[fvw53]

9 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

There are two main points to this editorial.

 

"...Let’s have proper debate on the medical worth of cannabis, not another junta thrill ride aboard Article 44..."

 

It is a very valid point; Article 44 is an abomination and should never be used. The NLA is not exactly an 'independent' organization; a better way forward is to order the lazy salary-suckers to sit until they have done their job. Yes, it does mean waking a few of them up, but that is a good thing.

 

The second point;

 

"...Marijuana’s efficacy in the treatment of certain medical conditions has been proved elsewhere and little doubt remains about the benefits, and yet there is still debate over making it more accessible, even for medical purposes. That, say critics, opens a slippery slope to legal recreational use. The government insists that cannabis will only be legalised for medicinal purposes..."

 

is quite true. The research is done and it is good medicine. And yes, it is almost a certainty that it will lead to full legalization; the idea that it would ONLY be used for medical purposes is wrong.

 

The simple fact that while the 'war on drugs' was well-meant, ganja should never have been part of it. It is time to acknowledge that fact and act appropriately.

 

Stupid laws against weed have done more harm than weed itself. It is time to grow up, acknowledge that it was a mistake, and move into the future. 

 

Hey Thailand! The country in SE Asia that moves first will make a financial killing; don't you want to be that country?

 

 

I have written before in this forum that a very credible source of information can be found on Youtube :  WEED by neurosurgeon and CNN contributor Sanjay Gupta

[The manic]

1 hour ago, oldrunner said:

In my day, centuries ago, I found Mary Jane addled what brain power I normally had. Reminded me of an alcoholic buzz but didn't last that long.

You were ripped off!

[Blue bruce]

Studies have been done by other countries all over the world. Why does Thailand need more studies. 

More countries are legalizing or not enforcing laws agains marijuana use every year.

On a certain date Cannabis will be completely legal in Canada already legal in a host of other countries and states in America. Why can't Thailand wake up and smell the coffee

[car720]

8 hours ago, Juan B Tong said:

Using 44 for 4:20.

I'm cool with that.

Debates and discussions can follow.

Always the right time to light up a Viscount, the best of them all.

 

[car720]

4 hours ago, oldrunner said:

In my day, centuries ago, I found Mary Jane addled what brain power I normally had. Reminded me of an alcoholic buzz but didn't last that long.

That's because nobody told you that to achieve the best results they both had to be consumed together and in copious amounts.