If plant ownership is re-criminalized, thousands of clinics and associated businesses could suffer in the near future.
PUBLISHED: 9 May 2024 at 19: 02
The government’s decision to categorize marijuana as a narcotic threatens to stoke demonstrations and class-action lawsuits from the owners of the nation’s thousands of clinics that have spread since decriminalisation two years ago.
The cannabis industry will also be pushed beneath by a full re-criminalization ordered by Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday, according to owner of Bangkok-based Highland Cafe, Rattapon Sanrak.
Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future, an advocacy group, said it would keep a rally against the walk in Bangkok on May 16.
Since being removed from the narcotics record in June 2022, almost 8, 000 shops have opened, making it a” controlled supplement” at the moment. This means that almost 8 000 shops are permitted to operate.
Mr Srettha’s law to are- brand cannabis as a Category 5 opioid may make it a crime to “produce, market, import, export or possess” the plant and use it, according to drug laws.
The top claimed that the use of marijuana for medical and health reasons may continue to be permitted.
The guide is going to change because we’re all following the book’s instructions, according to Mr. Rattapon. In the event of a lawsuit,” We’re gearing up to protest and prepared to file complaints.”
After decriminalization was promoted as a means of increasing agricultural revenue and wellness tourism, the country’s emerging cannabis industry is dealt yet another blow.
Prior to the election next year, cannabis use became a popular option political issue. Concerns about the social effects of habit grew as a result of efforts to establish rules around the pot industry failed.
The plan turnaround is piece of ruling Pheu Thai Party’s difficult- line anti- drug campaign. In 25 regions that are regarded as “red areas,” Mr. Srettha earlier this month set a 90-day date for law enforcement and local regulators to combat drug use. ( Story continues below )
Owner of the Bangkok-based Highland Cafe, Rattapon Sanrak, says,” We’re both doing everything by the text, but instantly the text starts to change.” ( Photo: Highland Cafe )
Outdoor use regulations
A expenses to manage recreational use would be more successful than completely outlawing the plant, according to the Bhumjaithai Party, which spearheaded decriminalization under the previous administration and is now a member of the partnership.
However, Mr. Srettha defended the decision on Thursday, saying that” we do it for the persons whatever we choose to do.”
Since the start of the cannabis industry, the nation’s growing industry has been plagued by constitutional disagreements. As part of democratic vlogging ahead of the vote, Parliament blocked the first attempt to pass a costs to regulate cannabis use last year.
The bureaucratic approach has stalled the most recent attempt made by the Srettha state to outlaw outdoor use and to impose stricter licensing requirements for planting, sales, exports, and imports. A ministerial change from last week may cause even longer difficulties.
Possession of marijuana could result in a maximum fine of 1.5 million ringgit and a prison sentence of up to 15 years after the Ministry of Public Health completes the classification process.
Cannabis advocates are urging health officials to consider the benefits and drawbacks of marijuana in light of both alcohol and cigarettes and to identify what substances should be used.
According to Mr. Rattapon of Highland Cafe, the plan flip-flop will not only increase foreign buyer confidence but also lead to “wide wave effects” in the cannabis business, causing genuine cannabis businesses to shut down, employees to drop jobs, and growers to gain money from the cash crop.
” Instead of regulating the industry properly, you’re choosing to close it up and make it worse by pushing it underground”, he said.