Deputy PM Anutin opposes PM Srettha’s cannabis reclassification

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, declared his opposition to Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin‘s policy to reclassify cannabis as a Narcotics Category 5 drug.

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) agreed last week to reclassify cannabis, which has been permitted for health-related purposes for over two years. This new policy is expected to be implemented next year.

However, many cannabis supporters, including members of the Bhumjaithai Party, opposed the reclassification plan. Two cannabis activists even began a hunger strike in protest last week. Accordingly, further meetings on the reclassification will be held for relevant authorities to vote and voice their opinions on the matter.

In a recent parliamentary meeting, Anutin and members of the Bhumjaithai Party under his leadership voted to approve the draft budget bill, including the digital wallet scheme proposed by the Pheu Thai Party. Journalists asked Anutin whether he expected the same support for his cannabis policy.

Anutin explained that the coalition government parties should support each other but the cannabis case is a matter for the ministry level, not the government as a whole. As the Interior Minister, he would also participate in the meeting and vote on the reclassification plan.

PM Srettha and the Pheu Thai Party campaigned on a policy to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic during the election, and this was one of their major policies, just as cannabis legalisation was a major policy for the Bhumjaithai Party.

Deputy PM opposition

Anutin emphasised that he would definitely vote against the reclassification, as he believed relevant authorities should consider more information before making a decision. He pointed out that he revealed his direction to the PM.

When asked about PM Srettha’s reaction, Anutin responded that the PM listened to him and urged him to speak about his reasons for opposing the reclassification and other relevant information during the meeting. However, the meeting has not yet been scheduled.

News reporters also asked Anutin whether he would discuss the issue with the current Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, before the meeting. Anutin said he would not, as they had different opinions and discussion could lead to conflict.

Anutin stated that coalition government parties can have different opinions but should not conflict with each other.

He concluded by saying that he would only agree to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic if there was proof that it harmed Thai society, had no health benefits, and could not treat any patients.