
The government, especially Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, needs to immediately put on hold the plan to put cannabis back on the narcotics list and engage in dialogue on the issue with all stakeholders.
The decision to fast-track the re-criminalisation of the herb is just arrogant, authoritative and wilfully ignorant of the importance of public participation in such policy shifts.
It's been almost two weeks since a group of cannabis advocates known as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future staged a demonstration in front of Government House.
The group is demanding that the government form a joint panel to scientifically study the adverse impact of cannabis vis-a-vis tobacco and alcohol on users and society before deciding how to classify the herb.
They said they would agree with the relisting should it be proven that cannabis has addictive properties akin to tobacco and alcohol. If not, the herb should be legally regulated and controlled in a more measured way, they contend.
Some cannabis advocates have even accused the government of having a hidden agenda. They argue that relisting cannabis would favour pharma giants which conduct medical research and rob the people of their right to use a medicinal herb that can potentially heal several illnesses and improve their quality of life -- especially for terminal-stage cancer patients.
Two cannabis advocates, Prasitchai Nunuan and Akkaradetch Chakjinda, have been on a hunger strike since July 10 as their calls have fallen on deaf ears. The latter was even admitted to hospital.
It is a pity that Mr Somsak has thrown cold water on their demands, arrogantly vowing to go ahead with re-criminalising cannabis no matter what.
To back up his hasty plan, Mr Somsak cited a survey showing what he described as "massive" and "unequivocal" support from the public for the move.
Needless to say, the survey process is shrouded in mystery, suspicion and a clear bias against cannabis by state agencies and some media. Policymakers need to make an informed decision based on well-balanced information.
Yesterday, Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future called off their protest campaign, and launched their own panel to conduct scientific studies.
"The government has refused to provide a mechanism for rational and scientific-based discussion. So civic society has to launch its own," Mr Prasitchai said.
He insists anti-cannabis groups comprising parents and young people, as well as The Rural Doctor Society will be invited to join the study.
Make no mistake, the previous government erred in rushing to decriminalise cannabis in the absence of proper regulations in 2022. That resulted in a myriad of abuses like underage consumption that has wrongly intensified the stigma against the herb.
But no matter what the problems are, this herb is not the monster some are making it out to be.
The government should know it has come too far to reverse things now. This herb, if well handled, can be a major cash crop and, as several advocates have insisted, it gives the public a certain degree of independence on matters of health.
Moreover, there are signs that some cabinet ministers have distanced themselves from the move to relist cannabis as a narcotic. By pushing it further, the government could face a rift.
It would be wise for Mr Somsak to think carefully and seek dialogue before making another mistaken move.