* . *
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Earth-News
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    ‘The Roses’ review: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch sparkle in dark comedy – Yakima Herald-Republic

    The Roses’ Review: Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch Shine in Dark Comedy Delight

    ‘When Calls the Heart’ Fans All Want the Same Thing After Seeing the Show’s Latest Update – yahoo.com

    When Calls the Heart’ Fans Rally Together in Excitement Over Exciting New Update!

    Quotes of the Week: Peacemaker, Project Runway, Countdown and More – yahoo.com

    This Week’s Most Memorable Quotes from Peacemaker, Project Runway, Countdown, and More!

    Drake Appears in Teaser for Bobbi Althoff’s New Podcast ‘Not This Again’ – yahoo.com

    Drake Drops a Surprise Cameo in Bobbi Althoff’s Thrilling New Podcast Teaser ‘Not This Again

    From polka to Poison, Corn Palace adjusts entertainment offerings with the times – Mitchell Republic

    From polka to Poison, Corn Palace adjusts entertainment offerings with the times – Mitchell Republic

    How to watch ‘F1: The Movie’ on Prime Video – About Amazon

    Experience the Thrill: How to Stream ‘F1: The Movie’ on Prime Video

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    The Role of AI and Technology in Shaping the Future of Interactive Entertainment – Technology Org

    How AI and Technology Are Transforming the Future of Interactive Entertainment

    Ten upcoming sports stadiums where technology takes to the field – Dezeen

    10 Futuristic Sports Stadiums Revolutionizing the Game with Cutting-Edge Technology

    Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. Files Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering – Business Wire

    Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. Unveils Exciting Plans for Its Upcoming Initial Public Offering

    UNLV Responds to Workforce Need with Microcredential in Nuclear Technology – University of Nevada, Las Vegas | UNLV

    UNLV Unveils Cutting-Edge Microcredential Program to Fuel Growth in Nuclear Technology

    Why Technology Will Never Take Over Completely – Patheos

    Why Technology Will Never Completely Control Our Lives

    Alcorn State awarded grant to boost STEM with VR technology – WJTV

    Alcorn State Secures Grant to Transform STEM Education Through Cutting-Edge VR Technology

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    ‘The Roses’ review: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch sparkle in dark comedy – Yakima Herald-Republic

    The Roses’ Review: Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch Shine in Dark Comedy Delight

    ‘When Calls the Heart’ Fans All Want the Same Thing After Seeing the Show’s Latest Update – yahoo.com

    When Calls the Heart’ Fans Rally Together in Excitement Over Exciting New Update!

    Quotes of the Week: Peacemaker, Project Runway, Countdown and More – yahoo.com

    This Week’s Most Memorable Quotes from Peacemaker, Project Runway, Countdown, and More!

    Drake Appears in Teaser for Bobbi Althoff’s New Podcast ‘Not This Again’ – yahoo.com

    Drake Drops a Surprise Cameo in Bobbi Althoff’s Thrilling New Podcast Teaser ‘Not This Again

    From polka to Poison, Corn Palace adjusts entertainment offerings with the times – Mitchell Republic

    From polka to Poison, Corn Palace adjusts entertainment offerings with the times – Mitchell Republic

    How to watch ‘F1: The Movie’ on Prime Video – About Amazon

    Experience the Thrill: How to Stream ‘F1: The Movie’ on Prime Video

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    The Role of AI and Technology in Shaping the Future of Interactive Entertainment – Technology Org

    How AI and Technology Are Transforming the Future of Interactive Entertainment

    Ten upcoming sports stadiums where technology takes to the field – Dezeen

    10 Futuristic Sports Stadiums Revolutionizing the Game with Cutting-Edge Technology

    Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. Files Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering – Business Wire

    Figure Technology Solutions, Inc. Unveils Exciting Plans for Its Upcoming Initial Public Offering

    UNLV Responds to Workforce Need with Microcredential in Nuclear Technology – University of Nevada, Las Vegas | UNLV

    UNLV Unveils Cutting-Edge Microcredential Program to Fuel Growth in Nuclear Technology

    Why Technology Will Never Take Over Completely – Patheos

    Why Technology Will Never Completely Control Our Lives

    Alcorn State awarded grant to boost STEM with VR technology – WJTV

    Alcorn State Secures Grant to Transform STEM Education Through Cutting-Edge VR Technology

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
Earth-News
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Critics slam govt’s approach to weed

July 14, 2024
in News
Critics slam govt’s approach to weed
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Police stand guard as cannabis advocates protest the government’s plan to relist the plant as a  narcotic near Government House in June. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

Police stand guard as cannabis advocates protest the government’s plan to relist the plant as a narcotic near Government House in June. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

Critics have slammed the government’s plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, arguing it will harm businesses involved in cannabis-based products and undermine investor confidence in the country.

A health committee responsible for controlling illegal drugs voted by majority on July 5 to reclassify cannabis and hemp as narcotics, effective from Jan 1, 2025, as confirmed by Surachoke Tangwiwat, deputy permanent secretary for public health.

The committee will submit its report to the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) for consideration this month.

The panel’s resolution said cannabis and hemp are to be considered narcotic plants, except for their branches, roots, and seeds. Cannabis buds and any materials containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also be classified as narcotics.

If the NCB agrees with the decision, the next step will be for the Food and Drug Administration to amend any cannabis-related laws and establish criteria for the plants’ usage, according to Dr Surachoke. Various laws will have to be amended before Jan 1.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed the Public Health Ministry to revise a ministerial regulation to reclassify cannabis under the Category 5 Narcotics list and issue a regulation to restrict the plant’s use solely for medical purposes by the year’s end.

Investors losing confidence

Hirunrat Mahaditthadakul, the secretary of the Hemp and Cannabis Industries Association, told the Bangkok Post the government’s reversal on the previous administration’s cannabis decriminalisation policy will dent investor confidence.

“Investors will lose confidence in doing business as a result of the policy flip-flop,” she said.

“Several entrepreneurs have invested in [cannabis] businesses worth tens of billions of baht. Production plants have been set up to produce cannabis oil extracts, and licences obtained,” she said.

If the relisting of cannabis as a narcotic takes effect, all they can do is adapt to the change and produce oil extracts from other plants and herbs instead, she said, adding the relisting will also adversely affect cannabis growers who have also made substantial investments.

When cannabis was first decriminalised, many new investors — including those from abroad — saw cannabis as a new cash crop that would bring business opportunities, she said.

Over the past two years since the plant was removed from the narcotic list, each entrepreneur has invested at least 10 million baht on average, she said.

“If the plant is put back on the narcotics list, no one will want to grow it. Some may opt to smuggle the plant from neighbouring countries because it is cheaper,” Ms Hirunrat said.

Shops selling cannabis-based products, particularly in provinces that are tourist destinations, will also be affected by the relisting, she said.

If these shops want to stay in business, they may have to seek permission to operate as traditional Thai medicine clinics and sell cannabis products for medicinal use only, which will also require new investments, she said, adding it is not easy to obtain a licence to open a traditional Thai medicine clinic.

“Once the relisting of cannabis as a narcotic takes effect, many of these shops are expected to close down. Only big investors will survive while small entrepreneurs will go out of business,” she said.

“The relisting of cannabis as a narcotic is not the right solution. Instead, the government should push for the passage of a cannabis control bill which will set out proper measures for the use of cannabis.

“Right now, it is about politicians playing their game,” Ms Hirunrat said, referring to the dispute that appears to have emerged between the coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party, which advocated decriminalisation of the plant, and the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which seeks to reverse it.

Hirunrat: Dents investor confidence

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously said he would put the brakes on the push to return cannabis to the narcotics list when the issue comes before the NCB.

The Bhumjaithai leader promised to vote “no” when the NCB tables the issue for discussion. He said he would not force the interior permanent secretary to support him; the secretary would have a free vote.

Mr Anutin and the permanent secretary for the interior both sit on the 36-member NCB board as ex-officio representatives of the Interior Ministry. The board is chaired by Mr Srettha.

Removing cannabis from Category 5 of the narcotics law, except extracts containing more than 0.2% THC — the compound that creates the psychoactive effect — was announced in the Royal Gazette on June 9, 2022.

This move allows people to legally cultivate and use cannabis as a household herb for medicinal purposes. The aim was to promote the plant’s medical benefits and support the economy by pushing cannabis and hemp as cash crops and allowing their use in food, fashion, and cosmetics.

Current regulations include no smoking in public and no sales to people under 20 years old and pregnant women. Cannabis shops must also apply for a licence, while those who grow cannabis for industrial use must also have licences.

However, decriminalisation preceded the legislation needed to control and regulate its use leading to a free-for-all in the industry, many owned by foreigners, invested in cannabis outlets while users bought cannabis with little to no medical or consumer guidance.

Parliament has yet to pass a cannabis bill.

Knowledge goes to waste

Rungrueng Kitphati, director-general of the Department of Science Service, said ongoing studies into the medicinal benefits of cannabis will come to a halt if the plan to relist it as a narcotic proceeds.

“Over the past five years, several universities and academic institutes have conducted research, and the knowledge gained has been used to develop products awaiting certification.

“These products present new economic opportunities and provide medical treatment alternatives for patients suffering from conditions such as insomnia and Parkinson’s disease.

“If cannabis is relisted as a narcotic, the research, which has advanced this far, will abruptly stop, and the accumulated knowledge will be wasted.

“Universities will hesitate to continue such studies due to the legal complexities associated with narcotics,” Dr Rungrueng said.

“The benefits and drawbacks of cannabis must be carefully considered. Thailand has been a model for cannabis decriminalisation in many countries, but now it seems to be taking a step backwards,” Dr Rungrueng added.

He also argued that closing legal loopholes and tightening controls on cannabis use could be achieved without relisting the plant as a narcotic.

Rungrueng: Studies into plant will stop

Parnthep Pourpongpan, a committee member who opposed the relisting of cannabis on July 5, expressed concerns about limiting patients’ access to cannabis for medical treatment if the plant is reclassified. “Otherwise, we fear they will resort to illegal means to obtain it,” he said.

Mr Parnthep previously wrote on Facebook that the narcotics legislation would not effectively address cannabis-related issues if the plant is relisted.

“The solution lies in passing special legislation. This is the only way to prescribe how cannabis can and cannot be used and to systematically protect non-users,” he wrote.

Parnthep: Users will resort to illegal means

Support for relisting

However, Pol Lt Gen Khirisak Tantinvachai, commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, backed reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, saying the plant should only be used for medicinal purposes.

He referred to a study from Chulalongkorn University which indicates the majority of people still use cannabis recreationally.

“The recreational use of the plant is widespread. Long-term recreational use can be detrimental to health. Therefore, decriminalisation should not be considered. However, the use of the plant for medicinal purposes should be encouraged,” he said. “Without strict regulations, recreational cannabis use could serve as a gateway to the abuse of other dangerous drugs,” he added.

Khirisak: Supports reclassifying as drug

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Bangkok Post – https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2828723/critics-slam-govts-approach-to-weed

Tags: criticsgovt’snews
Previous Post

BREAKING: Secret Service Operatives Kill Man Who Fired Shots At Donald Trump [Video]

Next Post

Bangkok to Vientiane link gets trial run

STEM camps offered at National Museum of Nuclear Science and History – KRQE

STEM camps offered at National Museum of Nuclear Science and History – KRQE

August 26, 2025
7 things people do when they care too much about what others think – VegOut

7 Signs You’re Caring Too Much About What Others Think

August 26, 2025
The Role of AI and Technology in Shaping the Future of Interactive Entertainment – Technology Org

How AI and Technology Are Transforming the Future of Interactive Entertainment

August 26, 2025
First look: ‘Whistle Blowers’ doc focuses on the crisis facing youth sports officials – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Inside the Crisis Facing Youth Sports Officials: An Eye-Opening Look at ‘Whistle Blowers

August 26, 2025
South Carolina city selected to host 2027 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series – WRDW

South Carolina City Selected to Host the Exciting 2027 Diamond Youth Baseball World Series

August 25, 2025

Brazil’s low-voltage consumers could save 16% on power bills – Valor International

August 25, 2025
‘The Roses’ review: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch sparkle in dark comedy – Yakima Herald-Republic

The Roses’ Review: Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch Shine in Dark Comedy Delight

August 25, 2025
Georgia lawmakers plan for federal cuts to already ‘underfunded’ public health services – Grice Connect

Georgia Lawmakers Prepare to Fight Federal Cuts Threatening Public Health Services

August 25, 2025
Poverty and Policy, Not Politics, Drive Crime in American Cities | Opinion – Newsweek

How Poverty and Policy Drive Crime in American Cities-Beyond Politics

August 25, 2025
Pressured researchers in ecology and conservation demand support to guarantee fair interactions with stakeholders – ScienceDirect.com

Pressured researchers in ecology and conservation demand support to guarantee fair interactions with stakeholders – ScienceDirect.com

August 25, 2025

Categories

Archives

August 2025
MTWTFSS
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
« Jul    
Earth-News.info

The Earth News is an independent English-language daily published Website from all around the World News

Browse by Category

  • Business (20,132)
  • Ecology (789)
  • Economy (809)
  • Entertainment (21,689)
  • General (16,671)
  • Health (9,850)
  • Lifestyle (823)
  • News (22,149)
  • People (810)
  • Politics (818)
  • Science (16,020)
  • Sports (21,309)
  • Technology (15,791)
  • World (791)

Recent News

STEM camps offered at National Museum of Nuclear Science and History – KRQE

STEM camps offered at National Museum of Nuclear Science and History – KRQE

August 26, 2025
7 things people do when they care too much about what others think – VegOut

7 Signs You’re Caring Too Much About What Others Think

August 26, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

Go to mobile version