Enjoy it while you still can . . .

[Gaybutton]

I have yet to see any kind of rationale, other than personal opinions, for reclassifying marijuana as a narcotic. I have seen no scientific basis for doing it. It is highly controversial and there are groups opposing the move.

If the reclassifcation does happen, it will go into effect January 1, 2025. But don't be surprised if the next administration legalizes it yet again. It's another one of these things we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

Here's the latest:
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Cannabis Reclassification as Illegal Narcotic in Thailand Moves Forward After Ministry Meeting

By Kittisak Phalaharn

7 July, 2024

On July 5th, 2024, Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Health, publicly revealed after a meeting of the Narcotics Control Board regarding the draft announcement by the Ministry of Public Health, classifying cannabis and hemp as illegal narcotics under the law.

The majority in the meeting agreed that cannabis has medical and research benefits but opposed its recreational use. A minority expressed concern that overly stringent controls could cause public hardship.

The draft announcement adds cannabis and hemp, specifically flowers and extracts with THC content above 0.2%, to the list of narcotics, excluding branches, stems, roots, leaves, and seeds.

Dr. Surachoke stated that the meeting’s results would be submitted to the Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin and then to the Narcotics Control Board next week. Following the process, the ministry aims to enforce the regulation by January 1st, 2025.

On the same day, the “Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis” network, led by Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, informed the public and cannabis networks nationwide of their actions. They anticipated this outcome as the first step to reclassify cannabis as an illegal narcotic, following a timeline set by the Minister of Public Health.

“We have no other way to return cannabis to the people except to change the policy. The reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic is driven solely by the orders of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, not by any law, not for health or science-based reasons, for the benefit of their alleged specific capitalists, not the public,” said Prasitchai.

“July 8th is crucial for us. Let’s unite for the goal of returning cannabis to the people. Join us in large numbers in front of the Government House to fight for victory,” Prasitchai added.

M.L. Rungkun Kitiyakorn urged cannabis users, business operators, and those who saw the value of cannabis to gather on July 8th to oppose the Narcotics Control Board’s resolution.

“This is our final fight before they present the resolution to the Narcotics Control Board to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic without regulatory laws,” M.L. Rungkun stated.

The network will occupy Ratchadamnoen Avenue on the night of July 7th, from the Army Headquarters to the UN Office, a 200-meter stretch opposite the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium. They plan to stay overnight and march to the Government House on July 8th.

https://tpnnational.com/2024/07/07/cann ... y-meeting/

[Gaybutton]

The way I see it, this controversy is getting more ridiculous by the day. Isn't anyone going to tell us just what the problem actually is? I still have not seen anything convincing that marijuana use is causing Thailand any kind of problem at all. Do they really need a panel to study what is already common knowledge in the first place?

Part of the article headline says "Advocates, farmers fret over relisting". I would think all the owners of the hundreds of marijuana shops that opened might have something to say about it too. Do the authorities truly believe marijuana users would have any trouble getting all they want, illegal or not?

By the way - I am NOT a marijuana user. I tried it a grand total of once, a lifetime ago when I was in my early twenties, and I didn't even like it, which is why I never tried it again. I am also not a drinker, but I have nothing against alcohol and I also have nothing against marijuana.
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Govt urged to form cannabis impact panel

Advocates, farmers fret over relisting

by Phumwat Suwanchaisak

July 9, 2024

Cannabis advocates are calling on the government to set up a committee to study the impacts of the plant before proceeding to relist it as a narcotic.

Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis' Future group, which held a protest near Government House on Monday, said the study should cover physical health, mental health, its effects on society and its therapeutic benefits compared to tobacco and alcohol.

He said if the findings show that the impacts of cannabis are no worse than those of tobacco and alcohol, a special law should be enacted to regulate its use.

If the findings suggest otherwise, the plant should be controlled as a narcotic.

"A committee should study the issue. The facts should be established and laid out for the public to see," he said.

Mr Prasitchai also claimed the change in the cannabis policy is an attempt by certain government figures to protect the interests of major players who stand to benefit from reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic in the name of protecting people's well-being.

Last week, the Public Health Ministry's committee controlling illegal drugs voted to support the reclassification of cannabis and hemp as narcotic drugs except for their branches, leaves, roots and seeds.

Cannabis buds and any materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will once again be criminalised.

On Monday, the protesters also threatened to expose alleged ties between influential financial groups and politicians, particularly those in the ruling Pheu Thai Party leadership.

Meanwhile, a community enterprise in Nakhon Ratchasima's Phimai district is urging the government to assist small-scale cannabis businesses affected by the government's failure to transform it into a new cash crop.

Thongchai Posawang, leader of a community enterprise that grows medical cannabis, said the group has signed a memorandum with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

However, growing cannabis for medical use incurs high costs while the price of harvesting is not as good as expected, he said, adding the group has suffered heavy losses and has no hope of recouping investments made.

Now, the group is concerned about whether farmers will still be allowed to grow the plant, he said.

"We'd like to know what measures the government has in store to help the farmers who fell for their campaign words," he said.

"Will the government allow farmers to grow cannabis for medical use and research after this?" he added.

According to Mr Thongchai, the community enterprise was established in 2020, and more than 230 farmers joined.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... pact-panel

[Gaybutton]

Anutin firmly opposed to recriminalising cannabis

Bhumjaithai leader warns of shaky investor confidence over flip-flop decisions

by Mongkol Bangprapa

July 9, 2024

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stands firm on his party's cannabis policy, committing himself on Tuesday to putting the brakes on the push to return it to the narcotics list when the issue comes before Narcotics Control Board (NCB).

The Bhumjaithai Party leader promised to vote "No" when the issue is tabled for discussion by the NCB. He said he would not force the interior permanent secretary to back him up on this. The secretary would have a free vote.

Mr Anutin and the permanent secretary for interior both sit on the 36-member NCB board as ex-officio representatives of the Interior Ministry. The board is chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Moving cannabis off the narcotics list was the flagship policy of Bhumjaithai in the 2019 general election, and Mr Auntin made it possible when he was appointed public health minister.

However, he was made interior minister when the present coalition government was put together, the health portfolio going to Somsak Thepsutin of the Pheu Thai Party who advocates a reversal of the policy.

"If there is a cabinet reshuffle and the Bhumjaithai Party has a chance to supervise the Public Health Ministry, I would take cannabis off the narcotics list again because it is the flagship policy of the party," Mr Anutin told reporters at Government House.

He also warned that recriminalising cannabis would dent investors' confidence in the country, scared off by the changing policies which come with each new government. "Investors need [policy] stability," he said.

The move to relist cannabis as a narcotic has support. It is also opposed by interest groups, who argue it has many health benefits and is much safer than alcohol and tobacco, which are legal and readily available.

A health committee tasked with controlling illegal drugs voted by a majority on Friday to have cannabis and hemp reclassified as narcotics, and this will take effect on Jan 1, according to Surachoke Tangwiwat, deputy permanent secretary for public health.

The committee is expected to submit its report to the NCB this week.

“If the Office of the Narcotics Control Board agrees with our conclusion, the next step will be for the Food and Drug Administration to amend any cannabis-related laws and set up criteria for how the plants can be used.

“All related laws should be amended before Jan 1. That is the timeframe that we are expecting for this law to take effect,” Dr Surachoke said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... g-cannabis

[Dodger]

I wonder what the "compromise" will look like - because that's exactly where this thing is headed.

This being Thailand - whatever the end result is I'm sure it will be even more confusing to the public than the current law.

The real irony is that most "pot smokers" really don't care. There's always been pot available for purchase in our lovely Lala Land and there always will be. Of course the ones who will suffer the most are the thousands of small businesses that have cropped up to support the market.

A bit off subject:...Before Thailand made the harvesting of opium illegal a few decades ago there were thousands of rai of farmland in the mountainous regions of northern Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle) dedicated to this crop. At that time >70% of the opium sold on the world market came from the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Burma & Laos connect) Since making it illegal to harvest the fields are now used for tradition agriculture, e.g., rice, chilies, basil, etc. and the farmers have gone from rich to poor. I have first-hand knowledge of this...heard many farmers stories...and even produced a documentary film originally intended to be aired on Discovery Channel in the U.S. back in the early 2000's.

Sorry for going off-subject...but sometimes my memories cause my mind to swirl.

[Jun]

I wonder what the "compromise" will look like - because that's exactly where this thing is headed.

What's the betting it will turn pot businesses into a grey area that requires tea money to stay in business ?

Before Thailand made the harvesting of opium illegal a few decades ago there were thousands of rai of farmland in the mountainous regions of northern Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle) dedicated to this crop. At that time >70% of the opium sold on the world market came from the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Burma & Laos connect) Since making it illegal to harvest the fields are now used for tradition agriculture, e.g., rice, chilies, basil, etc. and the farmers have gone from rich to poor.

You still can't permit the production of opium, cocaine or whatever, just because it makes the farmers rich.
Legislation should consider the effect of the substance on the users.

As for cannabis, I don't know what the correct decision is.

However, if it were obvious that it should be legalized, with no significant downside, surely almost every liberal democracy would have done so already ? There are side effects. I believe memory loss is one.

So I'm not sure any of us should hold a strong opinion without researching it.

Then, if we don't consume it, what's the point of researching it ?

[Gaybutton]

So I'm not sure any of us should hold a strong opinion without researching it.

To me, that is not the point. I think I can have an opinion without researching it as if I'm about to write a doctoral thesis. Common knowledge is common knowledge.

To me, the point is Thailand did legalize it, people invested in it, and now they want to re-criminalize it - and I have seen no evidence of them doing any more research than most people. Upon what are those who want to re-criminalize it basing their opinion? And how do they intend to compensate people who legally invested in it?

I'll use the same analogy I've used before on this issue - once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's awfully difficult to put it back in.

If they want to criminalize it as a narcotic, then it makes equal sense to criminalize alcohol. And I think we're all aware of just how well that worked in the USA.

If people are allowed to make their own decisions about alcohol, I see no reason why people can't be allowed to make their own decisions about marijuana without the government getting involved.

[Dodger]

....... There are side effects. I believe memory loss is one.

I smoked my first joint over a half century ago and still to this day enjoy taking a hit or two on occasion.
Never a single negative side effect to date. That’s all the research I need.

The way this world is headed there are a lot more serious things to be concerned about than pot smoking which has been going on for at least the last 200 years that we know of.

In-my-opinion they should sit Putin, Xi, Kim Jung Un, Netanyahu and Biden down at a table - pass around a few joints of good Acapulco Gold and some potato chips and let them become friends.

There you have it – World Peace without a hangover.

[Jun]

In-my-opinion they should sit Putin, Xi, Kim Jung Un, Netanyahu and Biden down at a table

Swap in Trump & hope for a nasty accident.

[Gaybutton]

I wonder what the "compromise" will look like - because that's exactly where this thing is headed.

This being Thailand - whatever the end result is I'm sure it will be even more confusing to the public than the current law.

I agree and I am expecting that to happen, especially plenty of the usual confusion. There are powerful groups on both sides of the issue. One of the most powerful is Anutin and he is vehemently opposed to re-criminalizing marijuana. He was the major driving force in legalizing it. On the other hand, the Prime Minister wants it re-criminalized and he seems to be the driving force in that direction.

It will be very interesting to see how it all plays out. My own guess is it will be legal with doctor prescriptions at greater strength, sold only in pharmacies or maybe sold only in hospitals. I think recreational use will also remain legal, but with all kinds of restrictions, especially THC content. I also think growing your own will become verboten.

I also think certain members of the constabulary will be in favor of re-criminalizing it. Think of tea money.

Is what is perfectly legal now going to end up causing people to be arrested and fined for doing the same a few months from now? I'm still waiting for the proponents of re-criminalizing it to justify it with solid evidence that it is causing, or even potentially causing, any kind of serious harm or danger.

Meanwhile, it remains legal - until it isn't . . .

[Gaybutton]

Thailand signals another U-turn on cannabis

Anutin says PM agrees on legislating cannabis use, potentially backing down on re-criminalisation

July 23, 2024

Thailand will work towards controlling the use of cannabis through legislation instead of re-listing it as a narcotic, according to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, signalling yet another policy U-turn.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin now agreed that legislation was the appropriate step to take, Mr Anutin said on Tuesday.

“I would like to thank the prime minister for considering this issue and deciding to enact an act,” said Mr Anutin, whose Bhumjaithai Party has long championed decriminalisation of cannabis for medical and economic uses.

He made the comments after talks with Mr Srettha and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin on Tuesday. The prime minister reportedly gave guidelines to enact an act to control the plant instead of re-listing it as a narcotic.

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to the prime minister, also attended the talks, said Mr Anutin.

“It will be a matter of law and debated in parliament where there is already a draft law,” Mr Prommin told Reuters.

“Whether it is a narcotic or not is up to parliament.”

Thailand in 2022 became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalise marijuana, but without a law to govern it or clear regulations in place to prevent its recreational usage. Mr Anutin was the minister of public health at the time.

The move prompted an explosion of recreational use, cannabis cafes and retailers, along with public concern about its abuse.

Bhunjaithai subsequently drafted a bill to regulate cannabis use but it failed to get past first reading before the election was called last year.

The current government led by the Pheu Thai Party has maintained that recreational use of cannabis would not be allowed under new regulations being drafted by the Ministry of Public Health.

Mr Srettha said earlier that the plant would be put back on the narcotics list, with exceptions allowed for medical use and research. He gave officials until the end of the year to draft the necessary rules.

Coalition tension

Mr Anutin over the weekend played host to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, considered the real leader of Pheu Thai, at Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, owned by the Bhumjaithai leader near Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima. Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn, the nominal leader of Pheu Thai, posted a video (below) of a karaoke session.

Mr Anutin on Tuesday told reporters that it was strictly a social and not a political occasion. There had speculation that disagreement over cannabis was starting to threaten the unity of the coaltion.

Thailand has seen rapid growth of a domestic retail sector for marijuana, with tens of thousands of shops and businesses springing up in the past two years in an industry projected to be worth up to $1.2 billion by 2025.

Bhumjaithai, the second-biggest party in the current coalition, has always insisted that it favours marijuana for health and economic purposes, but not for recreational use, and has argued against re-criminalising it.

Mr Anutin, who is also the interior minister, said the government would now discuss plans for a draft bill to regulate the cannabis industry, and political parties might submit drafts to parliament.

Proposed regulations to recriminalise cannabis have already been set in motion, but they have yet to clear the Narcotics Control Board. As a member of the board, Mr Anutin had vowed to vote against the plan.

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board had proposed making the changes effective from Jan 1, 2025 to give a grace period of a few months for operators concerned about their legal status to adapt and apply for new licences.

It said the new rules would prohibit the possession, import and sale of cannabis flowers and resin unless one has licences to do so from the Ministry of Public Health.

Cannabis seeds as well as parts with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content such as leaves, roots, fibre and stems would not be re-criminalised, it said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... n-cannabis
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Bangkok Post Editorial
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The government, especially Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, needs to immediately put on hold the plan to put cannabis back on the narcotics list and engage in dialogue on the issue with all stakeholders.

The decision to fast-track the re-criminalisation of the herb is just arrogant, authoritative and willfully ignorant of the importance of public participation in such policy shifts.

It's been almost two weeks since a group of cannabis advocates known as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future staged a demonstration in front of Government House.

The group is demanding that the government form a joint panel to scientifically study the adverse impact of cannabis vis-a-vis tobacco and alcohol on users and society before deciding how to classify the herb.

They said they would agree with the relisting should it be proven that cannabis has addictive properties akin to tobacco and alcohol. If not, the herb should be legally regulated and controlled in a more measured way, they contend.

Some cannabis advocates have even accused the government of having a hidden agenda. They argue that relisting cannabis would favour pharma giants which conduct medical research and rob the people of their right to use a medicinal herb that can potentially heal several illnesses and improve their quality of life -- especially for terminal-stage cancer patients.

Two cannabis advocates, Prasitchai Nunuan and Akkaradetch Chakjinda, have been on a hunger strike since July 10 as their calls have fallen on deaf ears. The latter was even admitted to hospital.

It is a pity that Mr Somsak has thrown cold water on their demands, arrogantly vowing to go ahead with re-criminalising cannabis no matter what.

To back up his hasty plan, Mr Somsak cited a survey showing what he described as "massive" and "unequivocal" support from the public for the move.

Needless to say, the survey process is shrouded in mystery, suspicion and a clear bias against cannabis by state agencies and some media. Policymakers need to make an informed decision based on well-balanced information.

Yesterday, Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future called off their protest campaign, and launched their own panel to conduct scientific studies.

"The government has refused to provide a mechanism for rational and scientific-based discussion. So civic society has to launch its own," Mr Prasitchai said.

He insists anti-cannabis groups comprising parents and young people, as well as The Rural Doctor Society will be invited to join the study.

Make no mistake, the previous government erred in rushing to decriminalise cannabis in the absence of proper regulations in 2022. That resulted in a myriad of abuses like underage consumption that has wrongly intensified the stigma against the herb.

But no matter what the problems are, this herb is not the monster some are making it out to be.

The government should know it has come too far to reverse things now. This herb, if well handled, can be a major cash crop and, as several advocates have insisted, it gives the public a certain degree of independence on matters of health.

Moreover, there are signs that some cabinet ministers have distanced themselves from the move to relist cannabis as a narcotic. By pushing it further, the government could face a rift.

It would be wise for Mr Somsak to think carefully and seek dialogue before making another mistaken move.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opi ... an-on-hold