Royal Thai Police baffled by pot memo

Rules on enables for weed plant confusion

A man shows dried marijuana on June 14, 2022. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
A man shows dried marijuana upon June 14, 2022. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

The particular Ministry of Open public Health recalled a good urgent letter soon after it was sent to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) asking them to take legal actions against those who failed to seek permits related to the use of cannabis.

The remember was apparently motivated by the RTP’s response.

Within the letter to the nationwide police chief, mouthpiece permanent secretary pertaining to Public Health Narong Saiwong said cannabis has been listed like a controlled herb underneath the Traditional Medicine Knowledge Protection and Promotion Act.

The plant was wear the list of controlled herbs in mid-June after it was taken off the country’s narcotics list on June 9 to control the use. However , a far more detailed law on cannabis and hemp is still pending.

As a result, the usage is being controlled under Section fouthy-six of the act, plus police and officials are authorised to consider legal action towards four groups which fail to seek allows. They comprise those who carry out research studies upon cannabis, export cannabis, distribute the plant or even process it meant for commercial purposes.

However , RTP spokesman Pol Maj Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong said there are certain problems the RTP has to clarify with the Ministry of Public Wellness in regard to the letter.

He said the nationwide police chief discovered contradictions that must be addressed.

“To prevent public confusion and ensure effective adjustment, the national law enforcement chief has questioned the RTP’s Legislation and Litigation Office to straighten some issues out with all the ministry, ” Pol Maj Gen Yingyot said.

Yongyot Thammawut, director-general of the Department associated with Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said a sub-committee decided the list of controlled herbs should be modified to cover only cannabis flowers.

He said if the whole plant is usually listed as a controlled herb, cannabis farmers and those who use other parts such as simply leaves, roots or stems will be affected. Following the list is revised, it will be submitted towards the minister for endorsement.

“For the time being, authorities may resort to warnings rather than making busts… unless the plant is sold for smoking.

“The ministry has made clear the stance on the leisure use of cannabis. Medicinal cannabis will continue and misuse should be prevented, ” he or she said.

According to the ministry, permits must be sought consistent with its 2016 directive on the research, transfer, distribution or procession of controlled natural herbs for commercial purposes.

Mister Yongyot and chiefs of provincial health offices are in charge of processing permits.

Prior to the letter was recalled, Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn welcomed the Ministry of Public Health’s action, saying it will have sent the particular letter to the RTP earlier.

He wrote on Facebook that most routines related to the use of cannabis are illegal unless they are permitted below Section 46 from the act.

Public Health Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) Anutin Charnvirakul reiterated on Wednesday  that the draft law being examined by the House does not permit recreational use of the plant.

He stated the letter requires the use of cannabis flowers and insisted that will drying cannabis plants for smoking is definitely illegal, not to mention that it really is against the excise regulations on cigarettes.

“Selling cannabis flowers requires an enable and it is impossible for us to grant allows for smoking. Don’t make people devalue cannabis.

“What would happen to the people using cannabis just for treatment, or these investing in a business, if the delisting was cancelled? ”

Mr Anutin said Tom Kruesopon, exactly who founded the Golden Triangle Group, a top developer and producer of hemp plus cannabis in Thailand, will face the background music if he has violated any laws.

He had been responding to criticism which he has ties towards the businessman.