Public Health Department Calls for Public Opinion on Reclassifying Cannabis Amid Protests

[snoop1130]

 

On June 11th, 2024, Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, proposed a change to the country's laws on narcotics possession. The proposed amendment suggests lowering the number of methamphetamine pills from five to one that an individual can carry legally. If a person is found with more than one pill, they may be considered a drug dealer unless they prove otherwise. Instead of jailing, addicts would get assistance through rehabilitation programs.

 

In addition to the amendments, sources of illegal drugs will be thoroughly investigated. This proposal is set to be discussed by the Thai government cabinet, reviewed by the Council of State, and revisited by the cabinet once more. The entire decision-making process is expected to conclude this month and results will be publicly shared afterwards.

 

Furthermore, Somsak Thepsuthin responded to questions about the ongoing pro-cannabis protests happening at the Government House. The protesters demand that future cannabis regulations be based on scientific evidence and it should not be regarded as an illegal drug.

 

Public opinion about cannabis will also be considered for this amendment. The Minister has requested feedback from the public on the government website over a 15-day period. Here, both supporters and opponents of cannabis reclassification can express their views.

 

The decision on cannabis regulation will be officially announced by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, once approved by the Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Commission (NACC). This decision does not require additional cabinet or parliament discussions.

 

Those protesting pro-cannabis demand a more democratic judgement method like a larger vote or parliamentary debate. They insist on cannabis regulation instead of making it illegal. They are staging a non-stop protest in Bangkok, vowing not to leave until the government works out a middle ground, deciding to govern cannabis use instead of outlawing it again.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-06-11

 

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[WHansen]

Protests from those that invested heavily and hoped to make a fortune even though it was clear that anything containing more than 0.2% THC was still classed as a narcotic.

[Pouatchee]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Furthermore, Somsak Thepsuthin responded to questions about the ongoing pro-cannabis protests happening at the Government House.

 

first i hear of these protests here on AN. would be interesting if more news of the proceedings could be covered.  pita in sreta/taxin out

[dinsdale]

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Public opinion about cannabis will also be considered for this amendment. The Minister has requested feedback from the public on the government website over a 15-day period. Here, both supporters and opponents of cannabis reclassification can express their views.

With independent monitoring and assessment one would hope. I doubt this will be the case though. However, this should only play a small as it is open to being skewed. Rigorous independent scientific, social and economic studies should be the main focus. Regulation not criminalisation should be the direction this goes but it's not likely as Thaksin is surely behind this.

Edited June 11 by dinsdale

[stoner]

classify as cat 5 again and hang anyone caught using this scourge on society. dope is for dopes. 

[nobodysfriend]

You cannot overdose on Cannabis .

Take too much just makes one tired , blur ...

 

You can overdose on alcohol , drinking too much can kill .

 

Why is alcohol not classified as a narcotic drug ?

( I like my glass of whiskey in the evening , but ... )

 

What damage was done after legalizing cannabis ?

0,2 mg limit was not enforceable from the beginning , they should have known .

 

The limit of alcohol permitted for driving is 0,5 mg ? , right ?

 

I only see old style hypocrisy here .

 

 

[bobbin]

South Africa just legalized cannabis for personal recreational use..

 

The naysayers are just pushing back against the new dawn..

 

After almost a century ( blink of an eye in the long history of cannabis) of prohibition. That didn't work..

[bamnutsak]

The new Minister of Health can reclassify Cannabis flower as a Class V Narcotic with the stroke of a pen, today, just as his predecessor (2x) did in February 2022.

 

If Cannabis flower is so detrimental to public health he should do this immediately, with a brief gazetting period of 30 days. To put this off any longer seems irresponsible. Then have the police shutter all product and distribution locations, and arrest anyone producing, selling, or using Cannabis flower.

 

Public polling, yes the questionable NIDA organization, also indicates that the public is very much against legalization and for recriminalization.

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40038141

 

 

 

His choice to waffle indicates that no one wants to push forward (in essence challenge Anutin) with reclassification.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rice555]

9 hours ago, nobodysfriend said:

"What damage was done after legalizing cannabis ?

0,2 mg limit was not enforceable from the beginning , they should have known ."

 

If my old feeble mind remembers, the .2 mg is for CBD products, not for flower/plant

material.