Rejected cannabis bill causes strain amongst government coalitions

A recently-rejected cannabis bill has caused strains between government coalition partners, with its creating party blaming political motivations for its denial. The bill was introduced to the Thai House of Representatives but was shot down by a 198 to 136 vote. Critics of the bill point toward its loose wording, saying it could allow young people to use the drug recreationally. But, proponents say the bill is meant to authorise the use of cannabis for medicinal and research purposes.

Public Health Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said he wasn’t surprised, however, that the bill was rejected.

“The bill will give one party [Bhumjaithai] an advantage over several other parties so I could see this coming a mile away.”

When asked if the bill’s withdrawal would cause a strain among coalition parties, Anutin seemed indifferent.

“If that is to happen, so be it. But we are confident people will benefit from the bill.”

The bad news is that if the bill is withdrawn, there may not be enough time to push it through the current Parliament’s session as it expires in March of 2023. Chada Thaiset, an MP for the Bhumjaithai Party (which sponsored the legislation), opposes the bill’s withdrawal. But, the Democratic Party has remained steadfast in its support to have cannabis also reinstated to the narcotics list.

The Democratic Party also allegedly threatened to vote against the bill if the House, indeed, proceeded with it. Some MPs have expressed grave concerns over cannabis being removed from the narcotics list, citing multiple reports of cannabis users becoming violent and mentally ill.

The Democratic Party says loopholes such as allowing the general public to register to grow cannabis plants can lead to recreational use, with a negative impact on society.

Since being decriminalised in June, the spokesperson for the House committee says current data shows a downward trend for cannabis-related patients in hospitals. He suggests that this is due to awareness campaigns that have educated people and kept the substance under control.

He acknowledged that the cannabis rollout has been flawed, but that there are more safety measures in place than when kratom was legalised last year.

Cannabis has been brought into the mainstream since its legalisation, with hundreds of small businesses popping up and thousands of established businesses incorporating cannabis and hemp-based products.

On Tuesday, the Central Pattaya shopping centre hosted a cannabis festival that was promoted by the mayor. In November, another large cannabis fair is planned at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post