Pro-cannabis protesters rally against plans to relist plant as narcotic in Thailand

Pro-cannabis protesters in Thailand are up in arms against the government’s plans to relist the plant as a narcotic, just two years after it was decriminalized. The rally, which took place at the health ministry, saw dozens of advocates voicing their opposition to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s proposal to reverse the legalization by the end of the year.

Thailand made history as the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis for medical purposes in 2022. However, the lack of regulation in the market has led to concerns over misuse and crime. Neon weed signs now light up Bangkok’s tourist areas, with dispensaries popping up everywhere and cannabis-infused menus becoming a common sight.

The push for stricter regulations on marijuana comes from the conservative coalition government led by the Pheu Thai Party, which campaigned on banning recreational marijuana due to health risks and potential substance abuse issues among young people. Prime Minister Thavisin echoed these concerns, stating that “Drugs are a problem that destroys the future of the nation.”

Former Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who initially oversaw the legalization of cannabis, is now the Deputy Prime Minister and a key figure in the government’s decision to crack down on the plant. Despite promises that cannabis would only be allowed for medical use, the market remains largely unregulated, with over 1.1 million Thai people registering for licenses to grow the plant and thousands of dispensaries operating without proper oversight.

The proposed draft bill seeks to reclassify cannabis as a controlled substance, imposing fines and prison sentences for recreational use. While the details of how medical marijuana will be regulated are still unclear, the government aims to limit cannabis to medical purposes only.

Protesters at the rally acknowledged the need for proper regulation of cannabis but expressed concerns about the negative economic impact on those who have invested in the burgeoning industry. As Thailand navigates the complexities of cannabis legalization, the future of the plant in the country remains uncertain.