The first-ever seminar and fair on cannabis in Thailand on Friday received positive feedback from cannabis lovers across the nation, sparking hope that it will be the economic plant of the future.
Around a thousand people on Friday flocked to Chang International Circuit, participating in the three-day cannabis fair held by former politician Newin Chidchob, a key member of the Bhumjaithai Party, whose policies include promoting cannabis as an economic plant.
Cannabis experts, including doctors and farmers, shared information on the narcotic plant's benefits, especially on its ability to improve health and treat various cancers.
Some came to the event to register their cannabis possession with authorities in order to avoid penalties.
Jay, a 50-year-old Bangkokian who came to register for amnesty for his cannabis plants at his house in the capital, said that after finding out online that cannabis can treat depression, he started using it to help him improve his sleep, and decided to grow his own plant in his house for medicinal use.
"If it is free for use, it will be useful for people. They now have alternative choices for medical treatment and will be able to reduce their dependence on chemical pharmaceuticals," he said.
The Food and Drug Administration announced a 90-day period for people in possession of cannabis to report to authorities without any penalties. The last day to report possession is May 19.
The declaration was made under the new narcotics law, which allows the legal use of cannabis for medical purposes. Patients, traditional doctors, modern doctors and researchers can have cannabis solely for the purpose of research and development. Recreational use is still illegal.
Siriwat Wongsiri, a member of the Office of the Royal Society, told the audience that legalising cannabis is a good opportunity for those start-up businesses who could develop and produce many lucrative products from cannabis, which will bring more money into the country.
He added that cannabis has become an important plant for feeding bees in the honey industry. If done successfully in Thailand, it can help bee farmers generate a larger income.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party chief who visited the fair, said he was happy with the positive feedback from visitors. He added that it's the first cannabis fair in the country and it's clear that the plant is very useful.
"It is the party's duty to push the policy of free cannabis into real practice so that all people can access its benefits. I want to have support from all people to achieve this plan," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Newin told reporters that the fair was a very good opportunity for the public to learn that cannabis is not a narcotic, as its rate of addiction is very low and it is less toxic than alcohol and tobacco.
"The plant has great benefits for people. It can cure disease in human beings and it is a plant to cure poverty. The Thai people should change their mindset about the plant. It is not a drug, but cheap medicine for all life," he said. He added that he wanted to see all families have the right to plant and extract cannabis for their own medicinal use.