High hopes: Anutin’s green light for cannabis bill in Thailand

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence yesterday that the cannabis control bill will be enacted within the tenure of the current coalition government. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has pushed for a complete ban on recreational cannabis use.

The Bhumjaithai Party submitted an initial version of the bill to the House last September. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has since prepared another draft for former Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew to present alongside the Bhumjaithai draft, according to Anutin.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reversed a prior government decision on Tuesday, July 23, regarding the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic drug. Cannabis was decriminalised two years ago.

Asked about the likelihood of the bill gaining enough support from coalition parties, Anutin expressed strong optimism, citing two main reasons.

“I believe in the PM’s commitment and clear order (to push to pass the bill), and now this coalition has up to 314 votes to cast in support of the cannabis control bill, unlike the past coalition, which only had 253 votes to do so (when the bill was voted down.”

PM Srettha instructed the MoPH on May 8 to amend regulations to allow cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic drug, while still permitting its use strictly for medical and health promotion purposes.

The health advocacy group, leading a public campaign to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, argued that the Thai premier’s decision to instead push for new regulations would leave loopholes for recreational use. The group presented scientific evidence linking increased cannabis abuse to rising health and mental problems.

In a statement yesterday, the group urged the government to first reclassify cannabis as a narcotic to prevent abuse. They advocated for a subsequent urgent law to permit its use strictly for medical purposes, reported Bangkok Post.

“We believe this proposal is an ideal solution to all existing conflicts among parties with different opinions on the matter.”

The ongoing debate highlights the complexities and differing opinions surrounding cannabis regulation in Thailand.