Thailand won't be decriminalising marijuana anytime soon

[webfact]

SPECIAL FEATURE
A plant out of place
PHOOWADON DUANGMEE
THE NATION



Thailand won't be decriminalising marijuana anytime soon, and it's a bummer for attendees at a public forum on freeing the weed

BANGKOK: -- Speakers at last weekend's public forum on legalising marijuana in Thailand - and the young man parading around a "Free Weed" banner - were basically "preaching to the converted". Everyone present for the discussion at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre agreed that ganja - as it is most commonly known here - has been unfairly demonised for far too long.

And that included the representatives of law enforcement on hand.

Interestingly, the suggestion was made that the military-led government invoke the interim constitution's draconian Article 44 to pull pot off the banned-substances list. It gives the junta sweeping discretionary power. But the notion got little traction among participants.

Hopes and expectations buoyed by the legalisation of cannabis in recent years in the Netherlands, Uruguay and the American states Colorado, Oregon, Alaska and Washington, more than 450 people turned out for the forum "Where is the freedom for marijuana?" organised by iLaw, a non-governmental organisation founded by Jon Ungpakorn that addresses judicial and rights issues.

It was the second such public discussion on marijuana in Thailand, whose subtropical heat and humidity comprise perfect conditions for growing ganja, whether for pleasure or profit, for medical use or, cultivated without the psychoactive ingredients, as hemp to be turned into rope and livestock feed.

"The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC - has made a demon out of cannabis," noted Veeraphan Ngamee of the Ozone Foundation, who admitted to occasionally indulging in the illegal drug. "Smoking marijuana, it says on its website, can harm the user in several ways, including brain damage and sexual dysfunction. Come on, UNODC - smoking a joint will hurt your sex life? I totally disagree!

In fact cigarettes and whiskey are far worse than cannabis in terms of the harm caused by abuse, and yet these drugs of a sort are legally sold commercially."

In contrast to tobacco and hard spirits, he pointed out, cannabis offers health benefits if consumed responsibly. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can avoid the characteristic nausea and vomiting by smoking or ingesting small amounts.

While people in the Middle East and South Asia have long relied on the hashish resin from female cannabis plants as a relaxant, Thais have been using the leaves of the pot plant for centuries for the same purpose. In the kitchen, a few dried cannabis buds enliven the flavour of chicken curry, and many food vendors in the city streets commonly add ganja to their beef noodles - with the tacit or overt approval of their customers. Songs-for-life band Carabao has a tune about marijuana's psychoactive effects, and there's even a band named Marijuana that's also quite popular.

As ingrained in the culture as cannabis is, however, the plant's medicinal merits rather than recreational (or culinary) use have been the focus of legalisation efforts around the world. Current Thai law, though, keeps the door to research closed, blocking the scientific approach to reform that is steadily prompting more US states to cautiously legalise the drug.

Thailand's Narcotic Drug Act of 1979 lists cannabis in Category 5 alongside the leaves of the mitragyna plant, widely available as krathom, which has similar psychoactive effects. Cannabis cannot be cultivated here even for medical research, in contrast to the US government's formal permission granted to the University of Mississippi to conduct studies. If Thai pharmacologists need to know more about the potential of cannabis to ease the symptoms of disease, they can only consult the medical journals.

Assistant Professor Niyada Kiatying went as far as to call the benefits of cannabis "a mythical thing" when it comes to the field of pharmacology. "We might hear about medical marijuana through word of mouth," she said at the forum, "but we don't have any research to confirm the claims, so the whole area remains uncertain."

With clinical studies of this avenue of alternative medicine barred by law, Thai society hears only tales of toxic poisoning and hallucinations.

"After a few puffs I sort of feel like I'm a bird," said an occasional smoker, an Indian woman. "Once I actually floated out of my home to pick up my kid from kindergarten." Mother and child were able to walk home without incident, but the danger was clear to others at the forum - had she been driving her car, she could have "floated" into oncoming traffic. Few disagree that there are hazards to cannabis use, requiring a level of personal responsibility, if not state control.

"My brother is a medical student and he's often told me about the successes there have been with medical marijuana," a Chulalongkorn University engineering student said. "For example, a small amount of marijuana relieves chronic nerve pain due to injury as well as the side effects of chemotherapy.

"What I am trying to say is that cannabis holds great interest for medical science. Unfortunately, the law and the threat of drug busts leave no chance for researchers. We should help pass a new law to legalise cannabis - at least for medical studies. Nothing should stop us from claiming our right to access to knowledge."

Serious legal issues aside, any discussion about marijuana is bound to produce some giggles. The college student wielding the "Free Weed" banner proudly announced that he'd even waved it on the public bus on his way to the forum from Nonthaburi. "And I had a few puffs in the toilet before the forum started," he admitted.

A social researcher was not amused by the young man's approach, however. Advocates won't get the law changed by waving banners or staging a "smoke-in" in front of Government House, she said. They have to behave reputably to gain the public's trust. Otherwise their opponents can claim that the real objective of legalising pot for medical use is to make it easier for people to obtain it for recreation.

Another speaker described a medical use for ganja less dire than those involving cancer and other chronic ailments, but equally sound. "I grew up in a family where everyone was always fighting and yelling," said the man in his 30s. "It drove me crazy, but smoking marijuana calmed me down. It probably saved me from a lifetime anxiety disorder."

The discussion ranged through various aspects of the issue - such as how many plants might be grown and still be legally considered "for personal use"? Several ideas were reviewed for revamping the law, including the deployment of Article 44. But no concrete proposals emerged. Everyone seemed to agree that marijuana must be decriminalised, yet no one was sure where to begin.

"I agree with every idea that's been mentioned - except using Article 44," Jon Ungpakorn said in his closing remarks. "I think we should try to get 10,000 people to sign a petition for a new draft cannabis law, and I believe we could get more than 10,000 people."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/life/A-plant-out-of-place-30268047.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-04

[Reigntax]

Too much money / opportunity to extract backhanders to be made while its illegal.

[Reigntax]

Just imagine how many more ghosts will appear, the black magic success rate will soar and the ability to pick next weeks lottery numbers will be available to everyone one.

Only problem being they will forget to buy the lottery ticket instead using their money to satisfy the munchies.

Edited September 3, 2015 by Reigntax

[jaywalker]

My buddy made an omelet with weed juice one day in Pattaya decades ago (cooked the weed in some butter & used the butter to cook the eggs).

He only ate half then took off to play golf. His GF woke up & ate the other half.

Said he got home & 4 or 5 of her friends were all worried, as she was passed out cold.

OOPS!

----------------------------------------------

I used to love the stuff as an 18-20 year old, but I outgrew it.

I still have nothing against weed, & think it is stupid to criminalize a wild plant, as long as one is not driving under the influence.

Edited September 3, 2015 by jaywalker

[krystian]

"but the danger was clear to others at the forum - had she been driving her car, she could have "floated" into oncoming traffic"

So the Driver of the Porsche Cayeen was High I suppose,,Motorcycle taxi drvers are always high?

[pumpuy]

"but the danger was clear to others at the forum - had she been driving her car, she could have "floated" into oncoming traffic"

So the Driver of the Porsche Cayeen was High I suppose,,Motorcycle taxi drvers are always high?

Legalizing Marihuana could keep a lot of people away from using Yaba , Ice and other dangeous chemical drugs that makes people become addicted and mentally disturbed .

Only legalizing a proven medical plant that makes people calm and relaxed would be beneficial to society already ...!

Edited September 4, 2015 by pumpuy

[Crazy chef 1]

TAT should pick up on this...sitting on one of those pretty islands,watching the sun goes down and a spliff...could boost tourism,innit?

[empireboy]

Responsible use of ANYTHING at all is primarily an indication of how "civilised" a person is.

I'm not sure some people are ready for legalising having children, let alone having ganja, but that's just an opinion and it sure won't stop them committing what should be in some cases, a crime against humanity!

[Seastallion]

"A social researcher was not amused by the young man's approach, however. Advocates won't get the law changed by waving banners or staging a "smoke-in" in front of Government House, she said. They have to behave reputably to gain the public's trust."

Correct.

They need men in suits, old respectable ladies, and nerdy students to front their campaign. There is too much stigmatisation of rowdy youths and loose women (per se) for the conservative elite to take any notice otherwise.

[jmccarty]

If they legalize it, better make sure it can't be sold within 300m of any school!

[FredNL]

$#!t

[Big Daddy]

Even if they were driving under the influence of pot, they would probably be driving under the speed limit rather than 1.5-2X the limit when they drink alcohol

[Broken Record]

The Alcohol industry is rich and powerful.

Legalization of weed would severely eat into their profits, I understand why Alcohol is legal and weed isn't ( Tax Money), but surely it should be the other way round if anything.

Alcohol is directly or indirectly responsible for untold misery to millions of people worldwide, if Alcohol wasn't taxed it would have a Class 1 drug classification.

[robblok]

"but the danger was clear to others at the forum - had she been driving her car, she could have "floated" into oncoming traffic"

So the Driver of the Porsche Cayeen was High I suppose,,Motorcycle taxi drvers are always high?

Its the same as with alcohol.... just don't use it in traffic. Its a stupid reason not to legalize it just penalize those who use it and drive as we do with alcohol. Seems logical to me.

Edited September 4, 2015 by robblok

[toooa]

The Question should be "Is it moral or ethical to use state sanctioned violence against peaceful people who are not violating the rights of others?"

That answer is fairly clear, but as we all know, the state has no moral high ground and is not a fit arbiter of what is "good" and what is "bad". This particular issue is a clear indication that "the law" is not some decree from the Gods, but rather an opinion with a gun. Proof enough that legislators do not have the best interests of the people in mind, and are rather motivated by greed and control. As usual when other countries are moving forward, SE Asia remains stubbornly backward.

Strangely, these are the same people that want students to learn critical thinking...bit of a contradiction isn't it? They will continue to bleat on and on that cannabis is dangerous while Muay Thai events that are supposedly "against drugs" are sponsored by alcohol companies. Meanwhile their own kids are probably toking it up in their gated community mansions. Critical thinking is just a dream here... and true morality is sorely lacking in the corridors of power.

Edited September 4, 2015 by toooa

[h90]

The narcotic politics in Thailand is working very well.....so in other countries that heavy hand suppress them.....no need to re-think it.

[h90]

The Question should be "Is it moral or ethical to use state sanctioned violence against peaceful people who are not violating the rights of others?"

That answer is fairly clear, but as we all know, the state has no moral high ground and is not a fit arbiter of what is "good" and what is "bad". This particular issue is a clear indication that "the law" is not some decree from the Gods, but rather an opinion with a gun. Proof enough that legislators do not have the best interests of the people in mind, and are rather motivated by greed and control. As usual when other countries are moving forward, SE Asia remains stubbornly backward.

Just think, these are the same people that want students to learn critical thinking...bit of a contradiction isn't it? They will continue to bleat on and on that cannabis is dangerous while Muay Thai events that are supposedly "against drugs" are sponsored by alcohol companies. Meanwhile their own kids are probably toking it up in their gated community mansions. Critical thinking is just a dream here... and true morality is sorely lacking in the corridors of power.

Moral? Narcotics are good business, suppressing them keeps the profit high......There are lot of connections between drug mafia and politics......Not with this government but with a different one and as well in many other countries.....

[toooa]

The Question should be "Is it moral or ethical to use state sanctioned violence against peaceful people who are not violating the rights of others?"

That answer is fairly clear, but as we all know, the state has no moral high ground and is not a fit arbiter of what is "good" and what is "bad". This particular issue is a clear indication that "the law" is not some decree from the Gods, but rather an opinion with a gun. Proof enough that legislators do not have the best interests of the people in mind, and are rather motivated by greed and control. As usual when other countries are moving forward, SE Asia remains stubbornly backward.

Just think, these are the same people that want students to learn critical thinking...bit of a contradiction isn't it? They will continue to bleat on and on that cannabis is dangerous while Muay Thai events that are supposedly "against drugs" are sponsored by alcohol companies. Meanwhile their own kids are probably toking it up in their gated community mansions. Critical thinking is just a dream here... and true morality is sorely lacking in the corridors of power.

Moral? Narcotics are good business, suppressing them keeps the profit high......There are lot of connections between drug mafia and politics......Not with this government but with a different one and as well in many other countries.....

Yes, obviously when "business" and politics violate the common law rights of the citizens to be left in peace, then morality is absent. That was my point. And the connections between the drug mafia and politics are old news...in fact the drug mafia is dependent on politics for it's survival, as are the politicians dependent on the drug war to paint themselves as heroes saving "the kids". It's all a charade.

[Morakot]

Useless article of the week.

Nation writers on skunk or pushing the envelope on creative thinking?

[dragonballs]

maybe the next governement comes up with a new deal to make the farmers really happy & richer

allow them one crop per year , after the rice harvest, of cultivating legaly cannabis ...

can also help in retaining water & good top soil

grows fast , almost anywhere & good crop $$$

[RPCVguy]

"A social researcher was not amused by the young man's approach, however. Advocates won't get the law changed by waving banners or staging a "smoke-in" in front of Government House, she said. They have to behave reputably to gain the public's trust."

Correct.

They need men in suits, old respectable ladies, and nerdy students to front their campaign. There is too much stigmatisation of rowdy youths and loose women (per se) for the conservative elite to take any notice otherwise.

Good point Seastallion:

I suspect UN and Thai Laws are rooted in the prurient USA laws that were once uniform against this plant. In the USA the laws are slowly relaxing due to medical evidence. Maybe doctors would want to see this quote and link on a US Government website. I sent it to a Thai teacher friend to ask of her doctors - as she battles cancer a second time this decade.

"This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the use of Cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of people with cancer. It is meant to inform and help patients, families, and caregivers. It does not give formal guidelines or recommendations for making decisions about health care." http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdq

Why did the USA generate the laws that it did?

The image below seems to well match the politics and history.

Currently such laws also prop up the Cancer Research Industry... when maybe some age regulation as is attempted with alcohol or tobacco might be more appropriate, less societally disruptive. Until society evolves - abstinance is required.

[toooa]

maybe the next governement comes up with a new deal to make the farmers really happy & richer

allow them one crop per year , after the rice harvest, of cultivating legaly cannabis ...

can also help in retaining water & good top soil

grows fast , almost anywhere & good crop $$$

"bringing happiness to the people"...... that was the line I've so often heard wasn't it?

[h90]

The Question should be "Is it moral or ethical to use state sanctioned violence against peaceful people who are not violating the rights of others?"

That answer is fairly clear, but as we all know, the state has no moral high ground and is not a fit arbiter of what is "good" and what is "bad". This particular issue is a clear indication that "the law" is not some decree from the Gods, but rather an opinion with a gun. Proof enough that legislators do not have the best interests of the people in mind, and are rather motivated by greed and control. As usual when other countries are moving forward, SE Asia remains stubbornly backward.

Just think, these are the same people that want students to learn critical thinking...bit of a contradiction isn't it? They will continue to bleat on and on that cannabis is dangerous while Muay Thai events that are supposedly "against drugs" are sponsored by alcohol companies. Meanwhile their own kids are probably toking it up in their gated community mansions. Critical thinking is just a dream here... and true morality is sorely lacking in the corridors of power.

Moral? Narcotics are good business, suppressing them keeps the profit high......There are lot of connections between drug mafia and politics......Not with this government but with a different one and as well in many other countries.....

Yes, obviously when "business" and politics violate the common law rights of the citizens to be left in peace, then morality is absent. That was my point. And the connections between the drug mafia and politics are old news...in fact the drug mafia is dependent on politics for it's survival, as are the politicians dependent on the drug war to paint themselves as heroes saving "the kids". It's all a charade.

legalize the softer drugs and sell the harder one at pharmacies to addicts......The drug mafia would loose every income, but also some politicians.....So it won't happen.....

Anyway if you think someone like Prayuth, Yingluck or Chalerm decide what herbs I am allowed to put into my body......It is my body not theirs, I am not their slave.....But as long as the general population agrees there won't be any change....

[RKASA]

Dude - I was going to write a full page on how great this would be, but I forgot what I was going the say - so maybe later right - I got to go get some freto-lay

Wow! Anyone got - like an extra 10bahts or something.

[bartender100]

Where does it say in the article

"Thailand won't be decriminalising marijuana anytime soon"?

Edited September 4, 2015 by bartender100

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Even if they were driving under the influence of pot, they would probably be driving under the speed limit rather than 1.5-2X the limit when they drink alcohol

That's a very common and very wrong assumption. On both substances.

Not everyone drives like a lunatic on alcohol. (Although it does severely impact reaction time and general perception, of course)

But the notion that weed is a harmless 'happy & relaxed' substance is even more widespread.

The only reason it might be safer is people may not be able to find their car back. But god forbid if they do, because it causes serious disorientation and distraction. As in "Serious"-serious. Like having to park on the side of the road because you don't know where the )#*$& you are. 6-8 shots of alcohol doesn't even accomplish that.

[Nobb]

The only reason is because the would lose all the money the get for the fines the give to the people who have it!

[Lupatria]

[jcisco]

The war on personal freedom will rage on I'm sure for many years to come, until the time comes to dismantle the great profit machine for the criminals. And the real destroyer of lives and families the heavy custodial sentences handed down by the judicial systems can be finally reformed. As for the police, I guess they can be left to deal with the huge numbers of unemployed ex criminals with nothing to do having the golden ticket of prohibition removed.

These are the real evil of drugs, the structures created for prohibition and the criminal enterprises which cause the most damage to individuals and nation states. Consumption in itself is the least damaging part of this sad state of affairs, much of the negative is all from the attempts to prohibit.

[bentarm44]

I hope the trade in this commodity can remain outside any control of the rulers of this country.

It's been almost the only constant of my 9 years here; before, during and after chemotherapy; and I'd hate to see it go either FUBAR or SNAFU at any time soon.

Nudge nudge, wink wink; say no more