National —
On May 17th, 2024, Deputy Government Spokesman Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, expressed his concerns regarding the potential reclassification of cannabis back to a controlled narcotic substance, which would essentially recriminalize it.
He further claimed that many sectors are opposed to this move and that careful consideration is necessary.
Mr. Karom stated that cannabis has many benefits when properly regulated. Therefore, he urged the Ministry of Public Health to conduct an in-depth evaluation to assess the overall impact of cannabis after it had been legalized during the last administration in 2022.
Mr. Karom also stated that the proposed reclassification of cannabis could have very negative consequences, particularly for businesses that have already invested a lot in the industry.
“We must be cautious,” Mr. Karom stressed. “Cannabis has both medicinal and economic value. With careful management, it can do more good than harm.”
When asked if the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic will create a conflict within the coalition government, Mr. Karom stated that while each party has its own policies, the final decision on cannabis reclassification lies with the Pheu Thai Party, which holds the most seats in the parliament. However, Mr. Karom stated that the Bhumjaithai Party “will not stay silent” on the matter.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party Leader Anutin Chanvirakul addressed the concerns about the reclassification.
He urged for a careful consideration of the U-turn on the legalization, warning if cannabis indeed became illegal again, it could collapse the whole industry worth billions of baht, make tens of thousands of people unemployed, close thousands of businesses, and make millions of cannabis users criminals practically overnight and subject to extensive criminal sentences and exorbitant fines.
