Strong Thai Public Support For Cannabis Reclassification

[webfact]

 

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has opened discussions about the potential reclassification of cannabis as a type 5 narcotic, following a public consultation period from June 11th to 25th, 2024.

 

This consultation saw around 100,000 participants, with over 80% reportedly supporting reclassification, according to Thepsuthin.

 

During a press conference on June 26th, Thepsuthin addressed widespread public and industry concerns.

 

He clarified that although the draft announcement did not specifically mention “domestically produced” cannabis, subsequent ministerial regulations would address this and other ambiguities.

 

 

The draft, approved by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB), aims to regulate recreational use while still permitting medical and economic applications of cannabis.

 

The importation of cannabis parts, which has raised eyebrows, was also clarified. Thepsuthin stressed that the reclassification does not intend to open the market for imports but rather to maintain stringent control over non-narcotic parts of the cannabis plant, in line with international standards.

 

Medical cannabis remains governed by existing ministerial regulations. The government’s policy continues to support its medical, health, and economic benefits, reported Pattaya News.

 

The detailed regulations resulting from the reclassification will be developed through further legislation, subject to the NCB’s review and approval.

 

Thepsuthin highlighted that after reviewing public feedback, the revised draft will be submitted to NCB, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

 

The NCB’s input is crucial as Charnvirakul, who led the decriminalisation of cannabis, may necessitate guarantees for medical and business licenses. The final stages might take about 30 days, considering the NCB's monthly meetings.

 

While public sentiment largely backs reclassification, not everyone is onboard. The “Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis” network is planning a demonstration at Government House on July 8th, opposing the move.

 

Thepsuthin, however, remains open to dialogue, suggesting that the government’s firm stance against recreational use may be causing the rift. He noted that most cannabis businesses focusing on medical sales and use have accepted the proposal, whereas recreational users might face challenges ahead.

 

Picture courtesy: Facebook Thai Enquirer

 

-- 2024-06-27

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[OneMoreFarang]

8 minutes ago, webfact said:

He noted that most cannabis businesses focusing on medical sales and use have accepted the proposal, whereas recreational users might face challenges ahead.

I live in lower Sukhumvit in Bangkok, and I am aware that this is a little different than the rest of Thailand. But here it seems weed is available on every corner with big advertisements. That looks like 100% recreational usage to me.

 

Personally, I think having it legal is better than illegal with gangs. But it must be properly regulated. Advertisement and open sales everywhere are not good for the nation's health.

 

 

[Pouatchee]

Another poll manipulated and mediatised to brainwash people into believing what the taxin war on drugs wants it to. It seems like putting potheads in jail is good for business.

 

I do not smoke, nor consume marijuana in any shape or form anymore for health reasons, nor do i drink booze. But i wish i could. It is a relaxing herb, and i fail to see how making it illegal again will benefit anyone. I am actually glad i stopped booze. I did more stupid thing on booze than weed. And dhdn i did stupid things on weed, i usually drank alcohol. So, i know first hand what is at stake here.

 

Those who believe that it makes people commit crimes... you should look at the blood level alcohol and whether any meth is found in the blood of those accused of commiting crimes while high on weed. But it is much easier to blame pot when you have a zero tolerance to things that are difficult to tax due to the ease of growing it at home.

 

It is much easier to support addictive activities that destroy families like gambling, booze,and cigarretes (cancer, emphyzema and COPD causing drug) because they can easily be taxed. I despise the nazi-dinosaur idealists who still believe a pothead desrverves to be in jail with hardened criminals.

Edited Thursday at 12:34 AM by Pouatchee

[dinsdale]

Non-supported pro-govt narrative rubbish.

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The draft, approved by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB), aims to regulate recreational use while still permitting medical and economic applications of cannabis.

"aims to regulate recreational use" yet Somsak (Thaksin) is pushing for recriminalisation. As for the largest "economic application" by far this is the sale for recreational use. This is the cash cow. What they want is to give this cash back to the drug lords and corrupt officials. 

Edited Thursday at 12:35 AM by dinsdale

[bob smith]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 

I live in lower Sukhumvit in Bangkok, @OneMoreFarang

how are your lungs holding up with all the pollution?

 

legal weed should be the least of your worries!

 

bob.

Edited Thursday at 12:39 AM by bob smith

[bamnutsak]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The detailed regulations resulting from the reclassification will be developed through further legislation, subject to the NCB’s review and approval.

 

 

So now we're back to "legislation", and that's unlikely to occur based on past performance.

 

Just a few weeks ago we were told that the final decision rested with the NCB.

 

While everyone has an opinion, they don't have the power, or will, to re-criminalize recreational cannabis.

 

 

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

Recreational cannabis is a problem.

Having to deal with stoned guests is a real PITA.

It is bad enough having to check them out of the villas, but then when I see them getting on a scooter or into a car and driving off - that is a real danger to innocent people.

And before we get the distractors, in more than 20 years in the hospitality business, I have never had a problem with a drunk guest.

Edited Thursday at 02:36 AM by Tropicalevo

[daveAustin]

^^^ Heard this before. Me me me. 😋

Recriminalising it won’t stop it now. Perhaps you should consider another trade/region. 

 

Strong Thai Public Support For Cannabis Reclassification

 

There is also strong support against.
 

 Rarely touch the stuff but government should butt the heck out. They are sticking their beak into everything at the moment. All Thaksin. 

[sungod]

2 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Recreational cannabis is a problem.

Having to deal with stoned guests is a real PITA.

It is bad enough having to check them out of the villas, but then when I see them getting on a scooter or into a car and driving off - that is a real danger to innocent people.

And before we get the distractors, in more than 20 years in the hospitality business, I have never had a problem with a drunk guest.

I've worked doors, never had an issue with 'stoned' guests, but thrown a few drunks out in my time.

[Andrewdownunder]

 

This consultation saw around 100,000 participants, with over 80% reportedly supporting reclassification, according to Thepsuthin. 

Absolute meaningless nonsense. Sounds like China news.

[Dr Jon]

Some people must have a very sad existence if they need drugs or alcohol to escape from reality. I genuinely feel very sorry for anyone who has such a miserable life.

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

This consultation saw around 100,000 participants, with over 80% reportedly supporting reclassification, according to Thepsuthin

Depends on what poll, one will say they want it reclassified, another a week later will say they want it as it is..

Depends on who you speak to and which way the wind is blowing.

[gargamon]

15 minutes ago, Dr Jon said:

Some people must have a very sad existence if they need drugs or alcohol to escape from reality. I genuinely feel very sorry for anyone who has such a miserable life.

Some people must have a very sad existence if they need religion to escape from reality. I genuinely feel very sorry for anyone who has such a miserable life.

 

Pick your poison.

[Bert got kinky]

26 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Some people must have a very sad existence if they need religion to escape from reality. I genuinely feel very sorry for anyone who has such a miserable life.

 

Pick your poison.

 

Wow!!!

Aren't you worried that on judgement day you will go straight to hell with all the weed, sex, alcohol and Soi 6 bargirls.

Not for me, I'm praying to go to a place packed full of fun killing rules, virgins, 'stop oil' cretins, kiddy fiddlers priests, vegans and anti-weed luddites.

 

Edited Thursday at 06:29 AM by Bert got kinky

[Butts]

Deep Rabbit Hole- In my humble opinion it is far better legal than ran by Criminal Gangs- Oh Alcohol if properly investigated and researched is far more problematic than "Other" mind altering substances should we ban it like the American prohibition and reap the consequences? The way of the Future is to have full legalization of all narcotics- as there is no way of fully stopping it but it will stop many of the bad elements that go with the drug trade 100% The brown paper bags would stop and there in lies the issue.

Edited Thursday at 06:35 AM by Butts

[cncltd1973]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

to maintain stringent control over non-narcotic parts of the cannabis plant

did they get this backward? why care about the non-narcotic parts?

[Thingamabob]

4 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Recreational cannabis is a problem.

Having to deal with stoned guests is a real PITA.

It is bad enough having to check them out of the villas, but then when I see them getting on a scooter or into a car and driving off - that is a real danger to innocent people.

And before we get the distractors, in more than 20 years in the hospitality business, I have never had a problem with a drunk guest.

Your alleged experience is irrelevant. Alcohol is far more dangerous than weed.

[pacovl46]

Do a public vote on the subject matter and let's see the results then. 

[Mr Meeseeks]

It's like when you ask a child what they want for dinner. 

 

9 hours ago, webfact said:

He noted that most cannabis businesses focusing on medical sales and use have accepted the proposal, whereas recreational users might face challenges ahead.

 

Outwith cannabis water drinks in the 7/11 and other gimmicks, 99% is recreational. 

[Red Forever]

2 hours ago, Dr Jon said:

Some people must have a very sad existence if they need drugs or alcohol to escape from reality. I genuinely feel very sorry for anyone who has such a miserable life.

I genuinely feel sorry for people who frown on people who drink booze.

When they (teetotalers) wake up in the morning that's the best they're gonna feel all day!

[Guitar God]

Everyone in favor was either police or military who were upset that they lost all that income from bribes and smuggling. They’re struggling to survive on yaba income alone. 

[Bday Prang]

6 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

It is bad enough having to check them out of the villas, but then when I see them getting on a scooter or into a car and driving off - that is a real danger to innocent people.

Yet sometime ago on this forum you posted a comment regarding some guests you evicted from your resort for smoking cannabis.  You proudly stated how you personally chucked them out of their room and directed them onto their motorcycles and off your property despite them clearly being intoxicated (Stoned out of their heads was the phrase I think you used)  Weren't so concerned about health and safety then were we?

[Bday Prang]

12 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

I genuinely feel sorry for people who frown on people who drink booze.

When they (teetotalers) wake up in the morning that's the best they're gonna feel all day!

Nah they feel better later in the day once they have publicly frowned on everybody else

[gargamon]

2 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

Wow!!!

Aren't you worried that on judgement day you will go straight to hell with all the weed, sex, alcohol and Soi 6 bargirls.

Not for me, I'm praying to go to a place packed full of fun killing rules, virgins, 'stop oil' cretins, kiddy fiddlers priests, vegans and anti-weed luddites.

 

Don't be a fool. When you die, it's over. You're worm food, that's all.

 

Live every day like you're going to die tomorrow, because you just might.

[Bert got kinky]

1 hour ago, Red Forever said:

I genuinely feel sorry for people who frown on people who drink booze.

When they (teetotalers) wake up in the morning that's the best they're gonna feel all day!

 

1963 called, Jack Lemmon wants his joke back.

 

[Tropicalevo]

3 hours ago, Bert got kinky said:

 

Wow!!!

Aren't you worried that on judgement day you will go straight to hell with all the weed, sex, alcohol and Soi 6 bargirls.

Not for me, I'm praying to go to a place packed full of fun killing rules, virgins, 'stop oil' cretins, kiddy fiddlers priests, vegans and anti-weed luddites.

 

When I die, I will be going to hell.

I have worked hard for that one.

Sadly, wifey will not be there. She was an angel.

 

PS if it is full of weed smokers, I may ask for a transfer.

[sidneybear]

1 hour ago, gargamon said:

Don't be a fool. When you die, it's over. You're worm food, that's all.

 

Live every day like you're going to die tomorrow, because you just might.

How do you know this? 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, Bday Prang said:

Yet sometime ago on this forum you posted a comment regarding some guests you evicted from your resort for smoking cannabis.  You proudly stated how you personally chucked them out of their room and directed them onto their motorcycles and off your property despite them clearly being intoxicated (Stoned out of their heads was the phrase I think you used)  Weren't so concerned about health and safety then were we?

Your memory is good to a point, but your paraphrasing is inaccurate.

I was not 'proud' at chucking them out. It was my job. And I did not 'direct' them onto their motorbikes. I was amazed. I could not believe it.

And quite a few more 'stoned out of their heads' since then.

It not not a resort, nor my property.

Nice try at a misquote. Back to the drawing board?

[Metapod]

8 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Recreational cannabis is a problem.

Having to deal with stoned guests is a real PITA.

It is bad enough having to check them out of the villas, but then when I see them getting on a scooter or into a car and driving off - that is a real danger to innocent people.

And before we get the distractors, in more than 20 years in the hospitality business, I have never had a problem with a drunk guest.

 

How is it any different to alcohol?

[Metapod]

5 hours ago, Dr Jon said:

Some people must have a very sad existence if they need drugs or alcohol to escape from reality. I genuinely feel very sorry for anyone who has such a miserable life.

 

who said people do drugs to escape reality? you are clueless grandpa