The Nation
Progress on reclassifying cannabis back as a Category 5 narcotic has advanced after the Ministry of Public Health conducted a public consultation on the draft Notification of the Ministry of Public Health titled “Specifying the Names of Category 5 Narcotics” from June 11-25.
This draft specifies that cannabis, including hemp, and extracts with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels exceeding 0.2% would be classified as narcotics.
Dr Surachok Tangwiwat, deputy permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry and chairman of the Narcotic Control Board, reported that after the board meeting on Friday, July 5, about 80% of board members supported reclassifying cannabis and hemp as Category 5 narcotics, excluding parts such as stems, roots, leaves, seeds, and extracts with THC not exceeding 0.2%.
But there were several observations, including suggestions to limit the exceptions to domestically produced cannabis only or to clarify the status of seeds that can be used to produce oil but require cultivation permits.
These observations and proposals will be forwarded to the Narcotics Control Committee (ONCB) for further consideration.
The Narcotic Control Board will submit the draft announcement along with the feedback to the ONCB for review, with the expectation that it will be submitted to the ONCB next week.
Surachok emphasised that there is a consensus on using cannabis and hemp for medical purposes to benefit patients. However, there were a few members who expressed concerns about the potential hardships for the public if the controls were too strict, suggesting the need for regulation under a dedicated law.
Regarding the Cannabis and Hemp Act that was previously discussed, Surachok said it would not be dismissed automatically and that any further legislative action would follow the standard legislative process. The current actions of the Narcotic Control Board are in accordance with the existing laws.
Following the approval by the Narcotic Control Board, the draft will be forwarded to the ONCB for final approval. If approved, the new classification will take effect from January 1, 2025, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will need to issue regulations to define the specific conditions.
Meanwhile, Prasitchai Nunual, secretary general of the Network for
Writing the Future of Thai Cannabis, along with others, announced via a live broadcast to the public and cannabis networks nationwide that the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic is driven by the interests of certain capital groups and does not genuinely concern public welfare.
He urged people to join in opposing the decision of the Narcotic Control Board on July 8, marking what he described as the final battle.
