Supporters urge Thai PM to prevent Cannabis reclassification

Wisarat Phanprasat, head of the Western Herbal Community Business Network in Kanchanaburi, led a significant demonstration alongside over 1,000 cannabis supporters, submitting a draft of the People’s Cannabis Act and a petition to the prime minister. This event took place in front of the United Nations in Bangkok. The primary demand was to oppose the classification of cannabis as a narcotic drug, which would effectively criminalise it once again.

Wisarat, who also presides over the Thai Medical Cannabis Industry Community, highlighted that his network includes over 450 community enterprises across Thailand. This network legally cultivates cannabis for medical purposes and is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

In a public statement, Wisarat expressed firm opposition to the potential reclassification of cannabis as an illegal narcotic. Wisarat warned that this move could lead to unemployment for traditional Thai medicine doctors, who depend on cannabis for their treatments, unlike modern doctors, who have access to other cannabis-derived medicinal substances.

“Reclassifying cannabis as an illegal narcotic will severely impact our traditional medicine practitioners and the communities that support them.”

He pointed to the significant economic commitments made by the Cannabis Industry Community, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the European Union and an investment exceeding 40 million baht in the cannabis business.

The community consists of over 450 enterprises and more than 10,000 members. Wisarat personally invested over 2 billion baht (US$54 million) in cannabis farms, undergoing a 14-month approval process by the Narcotics Committee and the FDA to secure legal permissions for the cannabis business, Wisarat said.

“We have complied with all government regulations and criteria. It is imperative that the government supports our efforts and takes decisive action against the illegal importation of cannabis buds.”

Wisarat urged the government to reconsider the reclassification proposal, underlining the economic value of cannabis, the backing from its advocates, and the rights of those legally cultivating it. He stressed that the community is willing to comply with all regulations but needs governmental support to protect their livelihoods and investments, reported The Pattaya News.

“The economic impact and the support from the cannabis community are undeniable. We ask the government to recognise and support our legal cultivation efforts.”