Future of Thai Cannabis at Stake: Activists Defend against Reclassification Proposal

[snoop1130]

 

In a recent dispute that pits public health against political agendas, calls to reconsider the reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic illegal drug have emerged. These pleas come in response to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's proposal to reinstate cannabis as a controlled substance.

 

A powerful voice in the debate, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, Secretary-General of the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, criticised the proposal, instead advocating for comprehensive and scientific assessment of the substance. He urged the Thai Ministry of Public Health to provide factual comparisons of cannabis to legal substances, like alcohol and cigarettes.

 

Prasitchai strongly condemned any moves to re-criminalise or regulate cannabis based on undue influences, while alleging that the proposal could serve the interests of specific capitalists within the Pheu Thai Party. This group, he claimed, aims to monopolise the market, making cannabis accessible only via their licensed plantations.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Phuket, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, argued for a democratic approach to the policy change. Notably, he emphasised the significant investments of cannabis-supporter groups and the potential fallout if their interests are overlooked.

 

The Deputy Prime Minister suggested a potential referendum as a means of ensuring all voices are heard in the debate. However, if the government remains intransigent, protesting at the Government House on the upcoming anniversary of the decriminalisation of cannabis has been threatened by concerned groups.

 

Reflecting a sense of unity and diplomatic resolve, Anutin concluded by reminding the public that despite differences in party policy, every member respects the others' viewpoints, and the overarching goal remains serving the public's best interests.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

-- 2024-05-10

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[snoop1130]

Businesses in Pattaya Oppose Suggested Reversal of Cannabis Law

 

 

In Pattaya, Thailand, there are mixed feelings among businesses and locals about the potential move by the Thai government to categorize cannabis as a controlled substance.

 

A staff member at HoneyPuff, a marijuana dispensary in South Pattaya, Mr. Bank, shared his fears with local press about the proposed legal changes. He indicated that HoneyPuff has already invested heavily in import equipment, contracts with cannabis farms, and legal licenses. Mr. Bank worries that if this reclassification happens, it could lead to a cascade effect. This would, in turn, result in job losses and possible closure of over a thousand marijuana dispensaries in Pattaya.

 

On the other hand, the proposed changes are also prompting different reactions from the public. A local beach vendor in Pattaya, Mr. Ta, fully backs the reclassification. He claims to have observed many acts of cannabis misuse, mainly among the youth, and expressed his concern for their future due to such irresponsible use. He told local media, "I've seen too many people, especially young ones, using cannabis irresponsibly. I'm worried about its impact on their future."

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

-- 2024-05-10

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[Lee65]

No source no believe.

[Pouatchee]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He urged the Thai Ministry of Public Health to provide factual comparisons of cannabis to legal substances, like alcohol and cigarettes.

 

this will fall on deaf ears. tax-sin and his cronies have already made HIS mind up. pot heads will be ushered back to jail even if booze and nicotine are worse. funny... it is being legalised elsewhwere in the world.

[frank83628]

personally don't mind weed, but its gone so OTT since becoming legal here. skinning up non stop at a bar is a teenager thing, not a 35-55 year old thing. grow up guys!

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A powerful voice in the debate, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, Secretary-General of the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, criticised the proposal, instead advocating for comprehensive and scientific assessment of the substance. He urged the Thai Ministry of Public Health to provide factual comparisons of cannabis to legal substances, like alcohol and cigarettes.

Been done a million times by other countries and drug agencies...

 

[Hotpepper53]

Alcohol is big business in Thailand…someone is getting paid…

 

Oh!!! They have extended the times for consuming cannabis to early mornings….

 

Oh! I’m sorry… that was for alcohol

[newbee2022]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

In a recent dispute that pits public health against political agendas, calls to reconsider the reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic illegal drug have emerged. These pleas come in response to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's proposal to reinstate cannabis as a controlled substance.

 

A powerful voice in the debate, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, Secretary-General of the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, criticised the proposal, instead advocating for comprehensive and scientific assessment of the substance. He urged the Thai Ministry of Public Health to provide factual comparisons of cannabis to legal substances, like alcohol and cigarettes.

 

Prasitchai strongly condemned any moves to re-criminalise or regulate cannabis based on undue influences, while alleging that the proposal could serve the interests of specific capitalists within the Pheu Thai Party. This group, he claimed, aims to monopolise the market, making cannabis accessible only via their licensed plantations.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Phuket, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, argued for a democratic approach to the policy change. Notably, he emphasised the significant investments of cannabis-supporter groups and the potential fallout if their interests are overlooked.

 

The Deputy Prime Minister suggested a potential referendum as a means of ensuring all voices are heard in the debate. However, if the government remains intransigent, protesting at the Government House on the upcoming anniversary of the decriminalisation of cannabis has been threatened by concerned groups.

 

Reflecting a sense of unity and diplomatic resolve, Anutin concluded by reminding the public that despite differences in party policy, every member respects the others' viewpoints, and the overarching goal remains serving the public's best interests.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

-- 2024-05-10

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Stupid uneducated imbecile 🙏

[Thingamabob]

14 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

this will fall on deaf ears. tax-sin and his cronies have already made HIS mind up. pot heads will be ushered back to jail even if booze and nicotine are worse. funny... it is being legalised elsewhwere in the world.

Well said.