On July 10, 2024, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced that a recent survey found significant public support for reclassifying marijuana as a narcotic, citing concerns about its impact on youth. The survey, conducted from June 11 to 25 with approximately 100,000 participants, will inform the proposal to add marijuana and hemp to the Category 5 Narcotics list.
Over 80% of respondents endorsed the reclassification of marijuana and hemp as narcotics, a plan set to be presented to the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) for approval. Once the proposal gains approval, the Public Health Ministry will draft regulations to formally categorize these substances as Category 5 drugs, potentially implementing the changes by January 1 of next year. This would reverse the previous administration’s decision to remove marijuana and hemp from the narcotics list, which had been influenced by advocacy for their use in medical and agricultural contexts.
The proposed regulations would criminalize cannabis buds and any parts of the plant containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, other parts of the plant, such as branches, leaves, roots, and seeds, would remain permissible for medical use as prescribed by doctors. Despite this, the Thailand Cannabis Future Network has expressed strong opposition to the reclassification, fearing it may lead to monopolization by those with close ties to the ruling party and restrict recreational use.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged the Public Health Ministry to prepare for potential scrutiny over this policy reversal, especially given the previous government’s decision to decriminalize marijuana and hemp.
In attendance at the announcement were various officials from the Public Health Ministry, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring a comprehensive review of the policy.
