Weed caution still needed

Weed caution still needed

In this April 20 file photo, cannabis advocates march on city street demanding for legalisation of cannabis. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
In this April 20 file photo, cannabis advocates march on city street demanding for legalisation of cannabis. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

As the discriminalisation of cannabis and hemp takes effect today, concerned parties are obliged to speed up a crucial law to regulate the use of the two substances.

Earlier in February, the government removed cannabis and hemp from the drug list, but it required 120 days for the delisting to take full effect.

This means that from today, planting cannabis or hemp at home or consuming the former for medicinal purposes should not land anyone in legal trouble.

Before the two were banned under the anti-narcotics law in the 1970s, they used to be a component in traditional medicine as well as a food ingredient in Thailand and neighbouring countries.

Promoting the medical use of cannabis has served as a flagship policy for the Bhumjaithai Party, and as a government coalition partner, it made a big push to put in place a registration system that allowed people to grow six cannabis plants per household under certain conditions.

In practice, registration has been limited given the staunch opposition by anti-narcotics officers and police. But now all of the obstacles have been cleared.

As such, all parts of the plant, except for extracts that contain over 0.2% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) -- the psychoactive ingredient responsible for feelings of euphoria -- are no longer illegal.

But decriminalisation is not exactly the same as legalisation. The immediate challenge is how to prevent the misuse, or abuse, of the new policy during the transitional period and in the absence of relevant legislation.

It's unfortunate that the authorities have moved sluggishly on the law regulating the use of cannabis and hemp.

It is now expected to take quite a few months before the cannabis and hemp law will be promulgated.

Initially, the Public Health Ministry is set to launch a mobile app called "plook gan" (cannabis growing) that will record the number of cannabis and hemp growers. However, those who intend to grow for commercial purpose will require a special permit. Many number of people have already applied for this potential cash cow.

In the interim, the government has formed a committee to synch policy and implementation regarding the two substances.

The panel is led by Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as well as senior officials from several agencies, the anti-narcotics agency, police and health experts.

Yet it's almost certain that lax control could lead to a public frenzy over the two substances, with sharp demand expected particularly for cannabis.

This should be a matter of concern given the absence of a crucial, clarifying law. Until that materialises, the state will release over 4,200 inmates who are being detained on weed-related cases and also return their property to them.

The Health Ministry has to maintain its stance on cannabis being primarily for medical use; promote the use and research of the substances for the cosmetics, herbal and food industries; and develop the substance as an alternative health product.

All must do their best to promote better public understanding about the plants' decriminalisation and what members of the public can do to avoid any legal trouble.

As the new law is now still being formulated, the authorities must make proactive use of all existing legal mechanisms to help curb the use of these substances for recreational purpose, such as ensuring they are not mixed with alcohol, otherwise abused, or sold to minors.

Editorial

Bangkok Post editorial column

These editorials represent Bangkok Post thoughts about current issues and situations.

Email : anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (20)