Thailand's recent decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has sparked widespread outrage, threatening to ignite street protests and cause a flurry of lawsuits brought by an industry built on the promise of decriminalisation.
Two years ago, Thailand decriminalised cannabis, classing it as a 'controlled herb' and leaving its recreational use unrestricted. The move spurred the creation of almost 8000 dispensaries dotting every corner of the country. Yet, these shop owners now face the spectre of complete re-criminalisation with Thavisin's order to redraw cannabis as a 'category five' narcotic.
This change would redefine the mere act of "production, sale, import, export, or possession" of cannabis as a criminal offence under Thai drug law. Medical use would remain legal.
Thailand's burgeoning cannabis market, promoted as a boost for agricultural growth and wellness tourism, stands aghast. Advocacy group, 'Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future', has called for a protest in Bangkok on May 16 whilst dispensary owners pledge legal action. Rattapon Sanrak, owner of Highland Cafe, sternly noted: "We're all doing everything by the book but then suddenly the book is going to change."
The pubic U-turn reflects the ruling Pheu Thai Party's aggressive anti-drug stance. Recently, Thavisin set law enforcement and local authorities a 90-day deadline to crack down on drugs in 25 identified 'red zones'. Political rival Bhumjaithai Party have challenged this strategy, espousing a regulatory approach over further criminalisation.
The seesaw of cannabis policy, from decriminalisation to the looming threat of re-criminalisation, seems set to harm Thailand's nascent cannabis industry struggling under legal uncertainties.
The potential penalties for possession of cannabis post-reclassification are severe, with possible imprisonment of up to 15 years and fines reaching 1.5 million baht ($40,600). Industry insiders fear the move will damage foreign investor confidence, cripple the industry, and plunge cannabis distribution back into the shadowy reaches of Thailand's underworld.
They are urging health authorities to use science and facts to compare the effects of cannabis to those of alcohol and tobacco, and base their drug classification decisions on such comparisons.
Rattapon of Highland Cafe warns: "Instead of regulating the industry properly, you're choosing to close it up and make it worse by pushing it underground." With over a million households registered to plant cannabis, the stakes are high and consequences could be game-changing.
-- 2024-05-11
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