Officials from the Narcotics Control Board will meet tomorrow to discuss making cannabis illegal again. The meeting is in response to calls from those who oppose its legalisation, which happened in early June.
Tomorrow’s meeting in Bangkok will be chaired by Deputy PM and influential veteran politician Wissanu Krea-ngam. Opponents of cannabis being decriminalised will attempt to convince the NCB that the drug is a “danger to society”. They claim the narcotic is being more widely used by youth, when the reason for decriminalising it was to allow for medicinal use only.
Those against the legalisation of cannabis say their motives are not political, despite the fact that many opponents have also publicly opposed Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who was a major champion of decriminalising the drug. If they are successful, cannabis could become illegal once more, which would have a significant impact on the livelihoods of those currently cultivating and selling it, and even foreigners who have invested in cultivation and retail projects.
In response to the threat, pro-cannabis groups plan to rally to make their voices heard, according to Prasitthichai Nunual from the People’s Network for Cannabis Legislation. Prasitthichai says making cannabis illegal again will create chaos and legal and financial strife for millions of people.
He has suggested finding a middle ground that will keep both sides happy, by passing the cannabis laws set to be considered by Parliament on December 7. He says doing this will tighten regulations surrounding the plant and address the concerns of young people abusing it.
For his part, Anutin says he’s already spoken with Wissanu ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, pointing out the huge impact making the plant illegal would have on millions of people.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
