In a significant policy shift, the current administration, led by the Pheu Thai party, has opted to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, reversing the previous government’s stance on decriminalization. Under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive, the Public Health Ministry has been tasked with amending regulations to reflect this change, slated for implementation within the current year. This move marks a departure from the prior trend towards liberalization, with cannabis relegated to a strictly regulated status, except for its sanctioned medical and health applications.
The decision comes as a blow to the Bhumjaithai party, a coalition partner, which championed cannabis and hemp decriminalization during the previous administration, fostering a landscape of widespread cultivation and the proliferation of cannabis retail outlets. Notably, today’s meeting convened by the prime minister addressed a range of issues related to illegal narcotics, underscoring concerns about the prevalence of methamphetamine trafficking and the need for clarity in drug possession laws.
Prime Minister Thavisin emphasized the urgency of revising existing legislation to differentiate between personal possession and trafficking of methamphetamine, seeking to streamline enforcement efforts and address the persistent influx of illegal narcotics. Despite intensified crackdowns, authorities continue to grapple with the infiltration of methamphetamine into the country, prompting calls for enhanced measures targeting major drug syndicates.
In response to the government’s policy reversal, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, representing the Bhumjaithai party, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to cannabis decriminalization. However, he lamented the obstruction of associated legislative efforts, highlighting the discrepancy between the party’s electoral promise and parliamentary progress. Anutin underscored the party’s advocacy for the scientific benefits of cannabis for medical purposes, challenging detractors to substantiate claims against its merits.
Addressing concerns about the regulatory framework surrounding cannabis, Anutin emphasized the authority of the Narcotic Prevention and Suppression Board and the Narcotic Control Committee in determining its classification. Despite relinquishing his role in the Public Health Ministry, Anutin affirmed his continued involvement in advocating for evidence-based policies within the regulatory bodies. Regarding the proliferation of cannabis retail outlets, he noted the existing ministerial regulations governing their operation, indicating a broader regulatory landscape shaped by public health directives.
