Thailand’s Cannabis Clash: Advocates Fight Back Against Proposed Ban

Two years after Thailand made headlines by decriminalizing cannabis, the government is considering a drastic rollback that could see the plant reclassified as a narcotic. This move has ignited a firestorm of protests from cannabis advocates who are determined to keep their hard-won freedoms intact.

A recent proposal by a Health Ministry drug control committee to relist cannabis as a controlled substance has sparked outrage. The proposal, set to be reviewed by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, would limit cannabis use to medical and research purposes only. If approved, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2025.

Nearly a hundred cannabis activists and entrepreneurs, some brandishing potted marijuana plants, marched to the prime minister’s office in Bangkok on Monday. Their message was clear: rolling back cannabis legalization would be a step backward for Thailand.

Prasitchai Nunuan, a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization, addressed the crowd. He argued that marijuana should be regulated by the health ministry rather than criminalized again. “This fight for cannabis is not only for medical security or people’s rights but also for destroying the monopoly of politicians taking its benefits away from the people,” he declared.

Chokwan “Kitty” Chopaka, a cannabis shop owner and activist, echoed these sentiments. She accused the Thai Cabinet of allowing political interests to influence their decision. “Who are you to judge what they use it for and how they use it?” she challenged.

Despite police barricades blocking their path, the protesters set up camp near the Government House and vowed to stay until their demands were met. An official eventually received their written petition, but the future remains uncertain.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s recent statements favoring the reclassification have only fueled the protests. Advocates argue that legal cannabis has significantly boosted Thailand’s tourism and agricultural sectors, with thousands of cannabis shops, trucks, and market stalls emerging nationwide.

Pock Pechthong, a cannabis grower, warned that reversing the legalization could devastate those who have invested heavily in the industry. “Everybody’s spent a lot of money already. I’m a grower, so our main concern is not being able to grow or use it,” he said.

Initially, cannabis legalization in 2022 was intended for medicinal use only, but the lack of regulation led to widespread public use, prompting backlash and concerns over misuse and crime. The government now cites these issues as reasons for the proposed ban. Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin claimed an online survey showed 80% support for the ban, although the results were not publicly shared.

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, which played a key role in decriminalizing cannabis, opposes the proposed ban. While the party does not support recreational use, Anutin argues that the rollback would severely impact the cannabis industry.

As Thailand’s cannabis advocates continue their fight, the government’s decision remains pending. The outcome will determine whether Thailand will continue to embrace cannabis legalization or retreat under political and social pressure.

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Legal Note:

This article is based on information from various sources, including the Associated Press (AP). For more details, visit AP News.

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