Thailand: Petition to recriminalize cannabis gets 100,000 signatures

As Thailand seeks to re-criminalize cannabis as a narcotic, a petition has garnered more than 100,000 signatures.

See: Thailand to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic

On June 6, 2024, Thailand's Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, again raised the possibility of reclassifying cannabis as a Type 5 narcotic.

Despite the discussions and announcements, cannabis is still legal in Thailand and if the government changes the law, there should be no change until 2025.

See: Is Cannabis Still Legal in Thailand? What Tourists Need to Know

An anti-cannabis group known as the Youth Network Against Cannabis (YNAC) has submitted a petition proposing to make cannabis use illegal except for medical and health reasons.

The petition reportedly received more than 100,000 signatures.

Somsak indicated that the government was inclined to adopt this approach.

Already in May 2024, a poll revealed that more than 60% of respondents were in favor of reinstating marijuana on the list of narcotics.

See: 60% of Thais support reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic

Although previous attempts to decriminalize cannabis have not been widely accepted, the health minister promises to reduce tensions between pro- and anti-cannabis factions.

Cannabis cafe in Pattaya.

Asked about a pro-cannabis group's call for a public debate or vote on reclassification, a move that has not yet been taken, Somsak reaffirmed his commitment to fairness.

However, he did not expressly confirm whether he would launch a public debate or vote.

In response to concerns about the potential impact on the cannabis industry following legalization, the minister assured that operations that comply with medical and health guidelines would still be considered legal.

See: Thailand's cannabis market could lose 10 billion baht

He was quick to add that, although there are plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, it will not be excessively difficult or expensive to legally use cannabis for medical purposes.

On the other hand, the use of cannabis for recreational purposes would be considered an offense.

If the law is changed, it is assumed that all it will take is a quick visit to a doctor complaining of stress or insomnia to obtain a prescription allowing one to buy cannabis anywhere.

Whether it's to treat real health problems or to get high, anyone should be able to get their hands on the sesame, which won't change much, except enrich doctors.

Regarding the upcoming "Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis" event scheduled for June 9 at the government headquarters, Somsak said he was not aware of it but was willing to address the group's concerns.

The protesters will express their disapproval of the recriminalization of cannabis and question the fairness and credibility of the petition presented by the opposition groups.

See also:

Thailand's Cannabis Threat: Pro-Marijuana Groups Apply Pressure

Thailand's about-face on cannabis draws criticism

Problem on a Thai island: not enough fresh water and too much cannabis

Ban on recreational cannabis in Thailand: nothing decided yet

Source: ASEAN Now