Bad News For Weed Shops: Potent Cannabis Poses Mental Health Risks

[webfact]

Somsak Thepsutin, the recently appointed Minister of Public Health, is stepping into his role following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's decision last Wednesday. He has pledged to listen to the perspectives of all parties involved. File photo courtesy: Thai PBS

 

The verdict is in: frequent use of powerful cannabis poses serious risks to mental health, casting a shadow over pot shops nationwide. 

 

Thailand's booming marijuana market is facing a turbulent tide as Thailand's Prime Minister issued a decisive order for a crackdown following escalating health concerns and public outcry to shutter these establishments.

 

Despite vocal protests from pro-cannabis advocates demanding concrete scientific evidence linking marijuana to mental health issues, the facts speak for themselves.

 

Reports from hospitals and emergency wards across Thailand paint a concerning picture, corroborated by decades of rigorous scientific research. Studies from respected institutions like the National Institute on Drug Abuse and The Lancet Psychiatry leave little room for doubt.

 

Cannabis, while not solely responsible, has been consistently linked to the onset of psychosis, mental disorders, and even more severe conditions. Alarmingly, suicidal thoughts are reported among regular users as well.

 

Adding to the mounting evidence, a March 2023 study by North Shore University in New York highlighted that THC, the primary compound in cannabis, triggers inflammation, significantly elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease.

 

In response to growing public apprehension, Pheu Thai MPs have rallied their grassroots supporters, advocating for the reclassification of cannabis as a scheduled narcotic. This sentiment is echoed by disillusioned farmers who have witnessed a dramatic decline in profits since the liberalization of cannabis in 2022.

 

As tensions escalate, it appears that the aggressive pushback from pro-marijuana factions may have unintended consequences.

 

The controversy comes hot on the heels of a recent drug summit at Government House, culminating in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's resolute directive to reclassify cannabis as a scheduled narcotic by year's end.

 

Unsurprisingly, this decision has triggered a wave of anger and discontent within the burgeoning cannabis sector, signaling turbulent times ahead for Thailand's pot industry.

 

-- 2024-05-14

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

 

[JoePai]

Everyone agrees the taking of cannabis can cause health problems but so do other “drugs” like tobacco and alcohol so why are they not being classified as a scheduled narcotics ?

[Tropicalevo]

11 minutes ago, webfact said:

evidence linking marijuana to mental health issues, the facts speak for themselves.

The facts are from medical experts and scientists.

Not sellers and smokers.

Yet the deniers keep complaining and scream 'alcohol, alcohol, alcohol'.

[ChaiyaTH]

2 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

The facts are from medical experts and scientists.

Not sellers and smokers.

Yet the deniers keep complaining and scream 'alcohol, alcohol, alcohol'.

What exparts and what facts are you exactly talking about? That there is a chance for triggering mental issues using a substance in general? You are aware that statistically, the science you try to refer too, says that this is something that depends on the person using it and happens only with a super tiny minority of people? The same as that is the case with alcohol and many others? 

Or are you trying to say it is something new, that when you abuse a substance, in high doses, daily, for longer times, it could cause issues? Must be a lot of new discoveries... oh wait, nothing new, just Thai politics and commenters who want to join the screaming. To then say others say 'alcohol alcohol alcohol'. 

 

To run a country like this, and make decisions like this, that is what is a threat to society and people their mental health.

Edited May 14 by ChaiyaTH

[ChaiyaTH]

4 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

The facts are from medical experts and scientists.

Not sellers and smokers.

Yet the deniers keep complaining and scream 'alcohol, alcohol, alcohol'.

Oh btw, you are aware that the same medical experts and scientists approved it to become legalized right?  LOLLL

Edited May 14 by ChaiyaTH

[Moonlover]

Anyone who has any doubts about the negative impact that cannabis might have on mental and physical health of users, especially the young, should read this article.

 

Cannabis legalization has led to a boom in potent forms of the drug that present new hazards for adolescents

[Trippy]

Love how all the alcoholics jump on even the slightest study to say that weed needs to be banned again. But keep in mind this is the same govt that states there is no prostitution in Pattaya year after year after year. I'm sure after getting an envelope they will state there are no recreational sales of weed too. 

[connda]

26 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Everyone agrees the taking of cannabis can cause health problems but so do other “drugs” like tobacco and alcohol so why are they not being classified as a scheduled narcotics ?

Because we live in a hypocritical world.

[ikke1959]

Mental health is also triggered by abandonned kids, lessons every day of the week and in holidays, noise /sound pollutions everywhere, too less money every month...but that are issues they keep their mouth shut... but if there is something they can use they will use it in their benefit...

[smedly]

21 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Everyone agrees the taking of cannabis can cause health problems but so do other “drugs” like tobacco and alcohol so why are they not being classified as a scheduled narcotics ?

so does this make it right to legalize?, as I have said many times - there is already a problem with alcohol on Thailands roads, we don't need another one.

 

and I have seen the long term effects on mental heath from prolific use and it is disturbing.

 

I really don't object to sensible occasional use or medical use but what is going on now with full commercial access is the wrong direction, sorry

 

PS - plus I hate the smell - it stinks

[Trippy]

1 minute ago, smedly said:

 

and I have seen the long term effects on mental heath from prolific use and it is disturbing.

 

Please explain.

[bamnutsak]

I don't understand why the government doesn't just reclassify Cannabis as a Category V (5) Narcotic immediately.

 

This can be done with the stroke of a pen, maybe with a 90 - 120-day gazetting waitlist.

 

Then start arresting the hundreds of thousands of Thais growing, distributing, and using this narcotic.

 

I mean if it's so dangerous wouldn't delaying the reclassification be malfeasance? Think of the children.

 

Has anyone died from (ab)using cannabis?

 

 

[smedly]

19 minutes ago, Trippy said:

Love how all the alcoholics jump on even the slightest study to say that weed needs to be banned again. But keep in mind this is the same govt that states there is no prostitution in Pattaya year after year after year. I'm sure after getting an envelope they will state there are no recreational sales of weed too. 

the last people to know they are psychotic are people suffering from psychosis

[dinsdale]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The verdict is in: frequent use of powerful cannabis poses serious risks to mental health, casting a shadow over pot shops nationwide. 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Cannabis, while not solely responsible, has been consistently linked to the onset of psychosis, mental disorders, and even more severe conditions. Alarmingly, suicidal thoughts are reported among regular users as well.

This is true but it's people who already have an existing mental health disease who are heavy users. It's nothing at all like meth that can cause mental health issues for all abusers having or not a pre-extisting mental health issue. For the vast majority of users it's simply not the case. Apart from this what exactly is frequent use. a joint a day? A few joints a week? Complete rubbish and just more demonising of dope from the bloke that said papaya leaf tea can cure cancer.

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/deputy-pm-somsak-makes-false-claim-over-cancer-cure/

Edited May 14 by dinsdale

[dinsdale]

52 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Everyone agrees the taking of cannabis can cause health problems but so do other “drugs” like tobacco and alcohol so why are they not being classified as a scheduled narcotics ?

Agree. The abuse or overuse of basically anything can be detrimental to ones health. As for what is and isn't a narcotic is debatable. These days it's more assiatiated with opiates, opioids and amphetamines.

[bamnutsak]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The verdict is in: frequent use of powerful cannabis poses serious risks to mental health, casting a shadow over pot shops nationwide. 

 

This "verdict" is incorrect. I declare a mistrial.

 

"Powerful" cannabis" poses no more, or no less, of risk than 'regular' cannabis flower. It just means you consume less, or more, for the desired effect.

 

No one ever ODed from cannabis.

 

It's a bit like Whisky, WIne and beer.

 

There are cannabis products with 50%, even 90% THC, and people consume these with the same 'risk', they just consume less (mg THC).

 

 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, Tropicalevo said:

The facts are from medical experts and scientists.

 

At what age did the start to smoke it?  Under the age of 20, there is the problem.

[bamnutsak]

32 minutes ago, smedly said:

PS - plus I hate the smell - it stinks

 

Stop whinging here about the smell. It is illegal to smoke cannabis in public. Go file a police complaint.

 

 

[dinsdale]

9 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

 

This "verdict" is incorrect. I declare a mistrial.

 

"Powerful" cannabis" poses no more, or no less, of risk than 'regular' cannabis flower. It just means you consume less, or more, for the desired effect.

 

No one ever ODed from cannabis.

 

It's a bit like Whisky, WIne and beer.

 

There are cannabis products with 50%, even 90% THC, and people consume these with the same 'risk', they just consume less (mg THC).

 

 

I agree except for the alcohol bit. You can drink yourself to death. A mate commited suicide this way.

[dinsdale]

9 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

At what age did the start to smoke it?  Under the age of 20, there is the problem.

14. I'm ok. LSD, magic mushies, speed, coke. I'm ok. Didn't abuse any of them but I regularly smoked dope. Not as much these days but I don't drink as much either. I think it's called getting older. 

 

Edited May 14 by dinsdale

[marin]

9 minutes ago, watchcat said:

At what age did the start to smoke it?  Under the age of 20, there is the problem.

Is that right doc?🤣

[Henryford]

Who would have guessed, smoking drugs all your life destroys your brain.

[simon43]

Cannabis should only be legal for those over 65 years old.... 🙂

[Neeranam]

7 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

14. I'm ok. LSD, magic mushies, speed, coke. I'm ok. Didn't abuse any of them but I regularly smoked dope. Not as much these days but I don't drink as much either. I think it's called getting older. 

 

You are unusual. Most of my friends, and I, who started smoking dope at 14 is have developed paranoia and social issues. 

[WhatMeWorry]

Stupid is as stupid does and that is why they call it dope.

[dinsdale]

4 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

You are unusual. Most of my friends, and I, who started smoking dope at 14 is have developed paranoia and social issues. 

You're paranioa and social issues have been diagnosed as a direct result of smoking dope then? Getting drunk on brandy is not a good thing for me so I don't drink brandy. Dope relaxes me and makes me feel happy so I like the occassional spliff. I don't drink brandy because I know my limits. I have a spliff because I like it. This should not make me a criminal. Different strokes for different folks as they say. .

[impulse]

It would be interesting to see an honest study of the entire effect of legalizing weed.  How much did that affect alcohol consumption, how much did it affect yaba consumption, etc.  And does weed cause the mental problems, or does it attract people seeking relief from pre-existing mental health issues?

 

In addition to how much it affected revenues of the powerful Thai families in the beer and booze businesses.  Which, I suspect, is the real reason for the 180 on legal weed.

If it's a choice between weed and nothing, I suspect "nothing" is healthier.  But that's not the real world choice.

 

Edited May 14 by impulse

[proton]

20 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

You are unusual. Most of my friends, and I, who started smoking dope at 14 is have developed paranoia and social issues. 

 

Three old friends who kept it up daily all their adult life's are long dead, all with brain hemorrhages.

[jonclark]

Ahh mental health issues is it -

 

Let's add social media to the mix as a leading cause of mental health issues amongst the young,  as a source let's add the highly respected journal (The Lancet Psychiarty) - oh that's the same one as the OP used, excellent!

 

So social media is a leading cause of mental health issues amongst people, especially the young. I look forward to the banning and rescinding of all forms of social media to protect the public. I hope the government will pursue this outright ban along with cannabis to protect the public from foreign interference and ideas and preserve their mental health. Anything less would be a gross violation of their duty of care. 

 

Point being. There are a huge range of things that can cause mental health issues in people. Pinning it solely on one 'drug' is utter folly. And let's not forget cannabis will still be freely and openly available if it is every recriminalised, just as it was prior to its decrimilization. It will now be solely for the profit of criminal organisations rather than the government (although you could argue that there is not too much difference between either i guess).

 

The quality of the OP is utter tripe and is just a wish list of things that government wants the public to accept as truth without any further discussion or debate. 

 

Edited May 14 by jonclark

[jonclark]

6 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Three old friends who kept it up daily all their adult life's are long dead, all with brain hemorrhages.

 

sorry mate but I am calling BS on that one.