BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s House Public Health Committee is holding urgent discussions on potentially reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic. The move comes in response to concerns over uncontrolled sales, legal loopholes, and increasing health risks, prompting political action.
The deeply divided debate highlights the precarious state of the country’s liberal cannabis experiment. While medical professionals and drug opponents are calling for emergency measures, legal operators and farmers are sounding the alarm about potential economic devastation.
Committee Chair Orders Thorough Inventory in Bangkok
Sakoltee Phattiyakul, the chairman of the House Public Health Committee, announced on June 18 that an immediate inventory of all licensed cannabis shops in Bangkok and FDA-certified products would be conducted. This was ordered to gain clarity on the current distribution channels.
The committee aims to comprehensively investigate which groups are particularly affected by cannabis-related harms and the true extent of the problems. This assessment is crucial for informing future policy decisions.
Ministry Mandates New Law by End of July
Dr. Tewan Thaneerat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, briefed the committee on the existing legal framework. Currently, cannabis is regulated as a controlled herb under the 1999 law protecting and promoting Thai traditional medicine.
However, the Ministry of Public Health, in conjunction with the FDA, the Department of Health Service Support, and the Office of the Permanent Secretary, is actively drafting a new Cannabis and Hemp Act. Public hearings on the draft are underway and expected to conclude by the end of July, after which it will be submitted to the cabinet.
Dispute Over Narcotic Status: “Loopholes Exploited by Grey Companies”
Ekkapop Sittiwantana, a representative from the People’s Party and deputy committee chairman, urged immediate action. He advocated for swiftly reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic until the new law is enacted, citing widespread unregistered cultivation and informal direct sales.
He criticized these practices for creating dangerous loopholes that are exploited by shady businesses. Sittiwantana called for a complete registration of all cannabis plants to curb uncontrolled growth.
Medical Network Sounds Alarm: “The Effects are Already Visible”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smith Srisont, representing a broad network of doctors, academics, and civil society groups, strongly criticized the decision to remove cannabis from the narcotics list. Despite extracts with over 0.2% THC remaining classified as narcotics, the societal consequences of widespread availability are now evident.
Dr. Smith pointed out a flaw in the system: while cannabis flowers are classified as a controlled herb, other plant parts during cultivation retain little to no legal oversight. He proposed reverting to narcotic control first, followed by a comprehensive regulatory law.
Legal Industry Caught in a Bind: Battling the Black Market and Costly Prescriptions
Representatives from the Thai Cannabis Future Network and other operators presented a starkly different reality to the committee. They stated that legal businesses are struggling to survive due to the devastating impact of the black market and illegal imports, exacerbated by constant legal uncertainty.
The network also raised serious allegations that some officials may have demanded favors or exerted pressure regarding licenses. Furthermore, they noted that veterinary prescriptions are prohibitively expensive for many farmers or are sold in locations unrelated to healthcare.
Next Step: New Law to Balance Farmers and Big Investors
Following the meeting, Sakoltee emphasized that cannabis has become too easily accessible. Future legislation must establish clear buffer zones between sales points and educational institutions. The committee is open to reviewing a draft bill from the public sector alongside the Ministry of Public Health’s proposal.
Thailand is thus heading towards a critical decision that must reconcile economic interests, farmers’ rights, and public health protection. The pressure is mounting as concerns about uncontrolled access, particularly among young people, persist.