12-5-2024 (BANGKOK) Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has raised concerns over the dramatic increase in cannabis use among young adults, a trend he attributes to the decriminalisation of the plant two years ago. He emphasised the necessity for the government’s decision on whether to relist cannabis as a narcotic to be grounded in scientific evidence.
The Ministry of Public Health, under Mr Somsak’s leadership, underscores the significance of data in addressing the escalating cannabis issue. Following the delisting of cannabis as a narcotic two years ago, numerous cannabis dispensaries have emerged in urban centres nationwide, sparking debates regarding its impact on public health and crime rates.
Citing a study by the Center of Addiction Studies at Chulalongkorn University, Mr Somsak revealed that cannabis use among young adults has surged tenfold since legalisation. Additionally, research from the United States suggests that cannabis consumption adversely affects brain function, potentially lowering users’ IQ by eight to nine points—a finding that deeply concerns the government.
Addressing concerns from cannabis businesses regarding potential policy reversals, Mr Somsak clarified that the decision to delist cannabis was not immutable. He indicated a willingness to engage with stakeholders to reach a consensus on the matter, prioritising the welfare of the populace.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has recently expressed intentions to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, albeit without specifying the methodology for such action. Conversely, the Ministry of Public Health has yet to outline its strategy for amending cannabis legislation, citing the need for extensive stakeholder consultations.
Supachai Jaisamut, an adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, which advocated for cannabis legalisation in the previous administration, asserts that the current government recognises the medical and health benefits of cannabis. Moreover, there is a consensus among all government factions to capitalise on the economic potential of cannabis.
In Mr Jaisamut’s perspective, enacting legislation to regulate cannabis usage is more prudent than relisting it as a narcotic. He contends that Thailand should adopt regulations akin to those in the United States and the European Union, where cannabis products are subject to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) limits.
The Bhumjaithai Party has taken proactive steps by drafting revised cannabis legislation and submitting it for parliamentary review. Mr Jaisamut urges bipartisan support for the proposed legislation, emphasising its importance in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by cannabis use in Thailand.
