Thailand to regulate cannabis, avoiding recriminalisation

Thailand is poised to regulate its burgeoning cannabis industry through legislation, potentially shelving plans to reverse the country's landmark decriminalisation policy. This development aims to ease tensions within the ruling coalition.

Legislative plans in motion

During a recent announcement, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, stated that the government would discuss a draft bill to regulate the cannabis industry and broader uses of the plant. Political parties may also submit their versions of the draft to parliament alongside Bhumjaithai's proposal.

This regulatory approach could halt Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s controversial push to outlaw cannabis, much to the relief of many growers, dispensaries, and users in Thailand who had anticipated a move to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic by next year.

"I thank the Prime Minister for considering this and deciding on legislation," Anutin told reporters after a meeting with Srettha and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin. An advocacy group, Writing Thailand’s Cannabis Future, expressed gratitude to Bhumjaithai for "protecting the cannabis policy."

The group had staged a protest near Government House against re-criminalisation plans, with one member even being hospitalised after a hunger strike.

Government tensions and coalition dynamics

Despite this apparent agreement on regulation, Public Health Minister Somsak clarified that the ministry's draft proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic remains unchanged. Anutin, a member of the Narcotics Control Board, has pledged to vote against any reclassification of the drug.

The disagreement over cannabis policy has highlighted political fault lines within the ruling coalition, formed after the 2023 general election. The Bhumjaithai Party, which made cannabis decriminalisation a key part of its 2019 election campaign, played a significant role in making Thailand the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis in 2022.

In contrast, the ruling Pheu Thai Party has maintained a hard-line stance against drugs, citing public concerns over the proliferation of weed dispensaries and recreational use by youths.

Recent policy shifts

Earlier this year, the government proposed a draft bill to regulate the cannabis industry, explicitly banning recreational use to address civil society concerns. However, months later, Srettha announced plans to reclassify cannabis as a "category five" narcotic from January 1 next year, criminalising its growth, possession, and consumption.

The latest shift in policy followed a weekend meeting between Thaksin Shinawatra, regarded as the de facto leader of the ruling party, and Anutin at the latter's golf resort.

Anutin denied that political discussions influenced Srettha’s decision. He has gained influence recently, bolstered by the election of a new Senate, with many members having ties to his Bhumjaithai party. When asked about future uncertainties regarding cannabis policy, Anutin stated, "This is the Prime Minister’s directive too."

Personal perspective

In my view, the decision to regulate rather than recriminalise cannabis in Thailand reflects a pragmatic approach to a complex issue. It acknowledges the significant economic benefits and public support for the cannabis industry while addressing concerns about its misuse.

This balanced strategy could serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar challenges. Observing this unfolding political drama has underscored the importance of nuanced policymaking in a rapidly changing social landscape.