Picture courtesy: Facbook NBT

 

Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, commented today on the public opinion poll initiated by Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, regarding the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic.

 

The poll, spanning from 11th to 25th June, seeks to gather the public's views on whether the current legal status of cannabis should be reverted.

 

In his remarks, Anutin, also the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, underscored his respect for the Ministry of Public Health's process, stating he will not interfere.

 

He highlighted the critical role of public opinion in a democratic society but also noted that complex issues, like this one, necessitate a balanced approach that includes expert input. 

 

"While public sentiment is invaluable, we must also rely on scientific expertise to guide our policies," Anutin explained. "Decriminalising cannabis has provided regulated access to the public.

 

Reclassifying it as a narcotic would impose significant restrictions, affecting many who currently benefit from its legal status."

 

As a strong advocate for the decriminalisation of cannabis, a key pledge of the Bhumjaithai Party's past campaign, Anutin is aware of the nuanced implications such a shift in policy would entail.

 

He added that while public opinion is essential, elected representatives must make these nuanced decisions with a broader view of the nation's interests.

 

Minister Somsak reported that in the initial two days of the online poll, more respondents have opposed reclassifying cannabis than have supported it. Several public representatives argue that proper legislation regulating cannabis use might be a more balanced approach than outright reclassification.

 

Anutin concludes, "We must listen to our citizens but also ensure that our policies are based on a combination of public input and scientific evidence. I trust Minister Somsak to integrate these principles in his final decision."

 

With the opinion poll ongoing, the Ministry of Public Health will have crucial data to consider while navigating this complex policy issue.

 

-- 2024-06-15

 

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55 minutes ago, webfact said:

Anutin concludes, "We must listen to our citizens but also ensure that our policies are based on a combination of public input and scientific evidence. I trust Minister Somsak to integrate these principles in his final decision."

 

my boy telling the underlings what's up. 

1 hour ago, stoner said:

 

my boy telling the underlings what's up. 

 

ya boy is the GOAT

4 minutes ago, stopthecap said:

 

ya boy is the GOAT

It's a free for all at the moment, who tests the thc levels? Russians must be having a ball since dope shops sprung up on every corner, and every other  criminals who can abuse medical gunga shops 

What will hurt Thailand worse?  Legalized Marijuana or Legalized Casinos?

it s a poll, not a referendum😉

Im sure anutin has his greasy fingers in the cannabis pie and will do everything in his powers to gain a favourable outcome (as long as its favourable to himself)

20 minutes ago, kiwikeith said:

It's a free for all at the moment, who tests the thc levels? Russians must be having a ball since dope shops sprung up on every corner, and every other  criminals who can abuse medical gunga shops 

You can look to extensive studies in other countries. You're right about THC levels. I would think that rather than illegalizing it they could assert more control (theoretically) over what is being sold legally. As opposed to more manpower (theoretically) wasted trying to enforce an unenforceable law. If I were a seller I would be happy to submit samples for testing, it would enhance sales to be able to say it was tested and approved. 

2 minutes ago, Jonathan Swift said:

You can look to extensive studies in other countries. You're right about THC levels. I would think that rather than illegalizing it they could assert more control (theoretically) over what is being sold legally. As opposed to more manpower (theoretically) wasted trying to enforce an unenforceable law. If I were a seller I would be happy to submit samples for testing, it would enhance sales to be able to say it was tested and approved. 

 

Considering you can buy blocks of 1000g for 1000b or 1g of imported stuff for 300-600b the market probably lets itself decide (thai kid would not be sprouting the $$$ for the stronger stuff) where us there as expats and short trips can buy premium stuff.

 

In oz i have a medical license and buy 22% weed, in thailand i buy anywhere from 20-25%. I can tell you its pretty similar.. One puff puts me on the floor. If one wanted to regulate % it could be done i.e 20% limit etc but from my experience of different shops importing weed from canada, USA, netherlands and copied stuff locally the % do reflect the truth based on the Australian propery prescribed stuff.

 

Concensus: strong AF

2 hours ago, webfact said:

"While public sentiment is invaluable, we must also rely on scientific expertise to guide our policies," Anutin explained. "Decriminalising cannabis has provided regulated access to the public.

Unregulated access to the public.

Reclassifying it as a narcotic would impose significant restrictions, affecting many  (ME) who currently benefits from its legal status."

An online poll? Seriously? This is how the government proposes to govern the country?

 

 

SMH

1 hour ago, stopthecap said:

 

Considering you can buy blocks of 1000g for 1000b or 1g of imported stuff for 300-600b the market probably lets itself decide (thai kid would not be sprouting the $$$ for the stronger stuff) where us there as expats and short trips can buy premium stuff.

 

In oz i have a medical license and buy 22% weed, in thailand i buy anywhere from 20-25%. I can tell you its pretty similar.. One puff puts me on the floor. If one wanted to regulate % it could be done i.e 20% limit etc but from my experience of different shops importing weed from canada, USA, netherlands and copied stuff locally the % do reflect the truth based on the Australian propery prescribed stuff.

 

Concensus: strong AF

A kilo for 1000 THB? 1g for 300-600 THB?

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Reclassifying it as a narcotic would impose significant restrictions, affecting many who currently benefit from its legal status."

Those affected are only business people.  Anybody requiring medical cannabis can still get it under the proposed new regulations. 

1 minute ago, kuzmabruk said:

Those affected are only business people.  Anybody requiring medical cannabis can still get it under the proposed new regulations. 

It would be medical cannabis without THC according to the guidelines, which is not the medical marijuana available in the west, and certainly not what I would need or accept. Tourists are also not going to obtain it as medical weed. 

2 hours ago, rwill said:

What will hurt Thailand worse?  Legalized Marijuana or Legalized Casinos?

Legalized casinos for sure!

Some type of testing on edibles so each package is 100mg.   10 mg portions.   

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He added that while public opinion is essential, elected representatives must make these nuanced decisions with a broader view of the nation's interests.

Self interests.....

This was Anutins "Rice pledging scsheme"

nothing more than his personal vote buying scheme.

He says we are a democracy BUT…we must listen to the public BUT…

A bit like people who say  I’m not a racist BUT…I don’t mean to be rude BUT… basically anything before BUT is worthless. Right?

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He highlighted the critical role of public opinion in a democratic society

🤔

10 minutes ago, Elkski said:

Some type of testing on edibles so each package is 100mg.   10 mg portions.   

 

i make 100mg cookies - singles. wasn't my choice the market simply demanded it. 

In other words, screw what the public thinks and let's illegalize it anyway, because I know better....

4 hours ago, webfact said:

He highlighted the critical role of public opinion in a democratic society but also noted that complex issues, like this one, necessitate a balanced approach that includes expert input. 

 

"While public sentiment is invaluable, we must also rely on scientific expertise to guide our policies," Anutin explained. "Decriminalising cannabis has provided regulated access to the public.

 

Reclassifying it as a narcotic would impose significant restrictions, affecting many who currently benefit from its legal status."

A swell as this is a very noble stance from a guy who first was for decriminalization, and then changed his mind. Now it seems like he wish to go back to his original stance again. Seems to be one of the best swingers in the country, following the people to stay on the top of his fake popularity. However, the most hilarious statement here is in the first sentence, where he highlight the role of public opinion in a democratic society. Hey! There is no democratic society to be seen here!

Good morning , Polls and scientific benifits are key to this fight also remembering your local government officials that they can be replaced at election times if supporting criminalizing cannibis again , Meanwhile many places in the world have legalized it creating jobs and opening up more medical treatments with cannibis. The Thai people built busisnesses and farms creating large quantities of taxable income and If you make alcohol and tabacco legal  Stop !! Sterotyping cannibis the Thai people have invested there time and money into job producing industry especially during Tourism downturn and recovery. I agree with Anutin, Polling and scientific data is key but the industry shoiuld have legal representation during this foolishness as well  !! 

39 minutes ago, kuzmabruk said:

Those affected are only business people.  Anybody requiring medical cannabis can still get it under the proposed new regulations. 

What about people who smoke it recreationally. They become criminals overnight whilst the real criminals will once again benefit monetarily from recriminalisation. Someone tell me why this makes sense? 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

expert input

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

we must also rely on scientific expertise to guide our policies

Recent history should make anyone question this. All good if the science is independent from the narrative and the forces behind that narrative.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

He highlighted the critical role of public opinion in a democratic society

Public opinion did not vote for this govt. in a democratic election. I would call national elections the height of public opinion.

Re-criminalisation would be ridiculous. Just regulate, as per  cigarettes and alcohol.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

He highlighted the critical role of public opinion in a democratic society

If they respected public opinion, He would not even be in the Government. Did a certain other party not win the last election? 

As for democratic society......in Thailand........He would not know democracy if it weighed a ton, and landed on his head.

2 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Re-criminalisation would be ridiculous. Just regulate, as per  cigarettes and alcohol.

This is what people are saying and what I've been saying since this kicked off. This is, however, not what Thaksin wants.