National —
On July 17th, 2024, the Youth Network Against Cannabis (YNAC), alongside medical professionals, academics, and public advocates, submitted a petition to the Narcotics Control Board, calling for cannabis to be reclassified as a narcotic, which would make it illegal again in Thailand.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Smith Srison highlighted that 200,000 citizens allegedly signed in favor of this reclassification, with 80% endorsing the Ministry’s draft announcement.
He stressed that the Narcotics Control Board must not ignore public opinion, especially considering recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) research that allegedly links cannabis use to addiction and psychiatric problems.
Mr. Yosakorn, a YNAC representative, emphasized the adverse social and health impacts, particularly on youth, who now have easier access to cannabis.
Yosakorn further pointed out the alarming rise in healthcare costs, which allegedly soared from 3.8 billion to 21 billion baht after cannabis decriminalization. TPN media notes that this claim has had significant arguments with many activists claiming it was false.
The Narcotics Control Board agreed to decriminalize cannabis under the condition that a regulatory framework would follow within 120-180 days, but this framework is yet to be implemented since June 9th, 2022.
Mr. Thanakorn Khainan, an advisor to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, reportedly accepted the petition on behalf of the board and assured that it would be presented to the chairman and other board members. YNAC and its allies urge the board to promptly reclassify cannabis as a narcotic to mitigate further social harm, according to Thai national media.
Meanwhile, the opposition continues to argue the viewpoint of YNAC.
