Community Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday reprehended the proposal in order to re-list some areas of the cannabis flower as a narcotic, stating there is no evidence of improper use of cannabis below existing laws since claimed by the policy’s critics.
He made the comment in response to the petition on Alter. org signed simply by 1, 363 physicians which called for the government to discard the policy decriminalising cannabis use and possession, citing the lack of controls to prevent the recreational use plus abuse by kids and minors.
Instead, Mr Anutin said the ministry is willing to explain any concern expressed by the group. The minister pointed out that current rules on cannabis use are set up with medical users in mind.
“The regulation doesn’t support additional uses beyond [medical use]. There are guidelines which prevent marijuana smoking in public, and sales are limited to individuals over the age of 20, ” he said.
“Re-listing cannabis [as a narcotic] is absurd, and we won’t get it done because we have arrive so far. We have not seen any damaging impact that is further than our control. ”
He expressed his self-confidence that the parliament is not going to reject the ministry’s cannabis bill again once the lawmakers’ issues are addressed.
On an unrelated note, Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha, who followed Mr Anutin, mentioned he has no issues working with the Bhumjaithai leader. The Liberal politician said the party has yet to explain the reason for the objection to the cannabis bill.