Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, announced plans to outlaw cannabis once again, reversing the country’s landmark decision to legalize the drug two years ago. The move comes amidst growing concerns that the lack of regulation has led to increased availability of cannabis to children and a surge in criminal activities associated with its illegal trade.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Thavisin revealed that he has instructed the Health Ministry to revise the list of narcotics to include cannabis once more.
ปัญหายาเสพติดคือวาระแห่งชาติที่ทุกหน่วยงานต้องร่วมมือกันแก้ไขปัญหาอย่างจริงจังเพื่อให้ยาเสพติดหมดไปให้ได้ และภายใน 90 วันต้องเห็นผลชัดเจนครับ
ในเรื่องการปราบปราม ขอให้กระทรวงยุติธรรม ปปส. และตํารวจ ร่วมกันตรวจ จับ ปราบปราม ยึดทรัพย์ให้มากขึ้นอีก ทั้งรายใหญ่ รายย่อย… pic.twitter.com/iYnOenhEin
— Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) May 8, 2024
However, he proposed allowing its use solely for medical purposes, emphasizing stricter regulations to prevent misuse.
Thavisin also issued directives to local authorities to crack down on criminal activities linked to the illicit cannabis trade. He set a deadline of 90 days for visible progress in these efforts, signaling a renewed focus on law enforcement to tackle the issue.
The initial legalization of cannabis in 2022 aimed primarily at medicinal use but lacked effective regulation, leading to widespread criticism and public backlash. Despite assurances that it would be strictly controlled, the unregulated market raised concerns about potential abuse and an uptick in related crimes.
The decision to decriminalize cannabis in 2022 was championed by the Bhumjaithai Party, particularly appealing to farmers in the economically disadvantaged northeast region.
The party had promised farmers that cannabis cultivation would become a lucrative cash crop, sparking hope for economic revitalization in rural areas.
However, the 2023 elections witnessed a shift in political stance, with all major parties, including the Bhumjaithai Party, pledging to restrict cannabis exclusively for medical purposes. This political consensus reflected growing concerns over the unintended consequences of widespread cannabis availability.
Despite the government’s intention to roll back cannabis legalization, advocates and entrepreneurs have voiced strong opposition. They argue that such a move would have detrimental effects on the economy, pointing to the significant contributions of legal cannabis to Thailand’s tourism and agriculture sectors.
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Legalization has spurred the progress of a thriving cannabis industry, with thousands of retail establishments ranging from shops to market stalls emerging across the country. These businesses fear that a return to prohibition would stifle growth and investment, jeopardizing the gains made in recent years.
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