Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin earlier this week revealed that the government would put cannabis back on the narcotics list by the end of this year.
Mr Somsak said that the Public Health Ministry will issue a ministerial regulation governing the planting and storage of cannabis.
However, he will hold talks with operators of cannabis businesses and pro-cannabis groups to gather their feedback before the regulation is issued, he said.
Poonwarit ‘Thames’ Wangpatravanich, President of the Phuket Cannabis Association, submitted the formal request at the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) yesterday (May 16).
Present to receive the request was PPHO Chief Deputy Chief Somsuk Prathip.
Mr Somsuk spoke with members from the association. The primary concern highlighted in the request stemmed from recent announcements by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health, which Mr Poonwrit said had sparked serious concerns among cannabis industry stakeholders.
The Phuket Cannabis Association, representing local business operators, is firmly against reclassifying marijuana as a Category 5 drug, Mr Poonwarit said.
The association’s members argue that doing so would dismantle an emerging industry projected to be worth over a B100 billion within two years.
“This industry has the potential to create jobs, generate significant income and provide widespread opportunities for Thai citizens,” Mr Poonwarit said.
Reverting marijuana to its previous drug status would lead to substantial economic losses, including increased unemployment and significant financial setbacks, he added.
“By advocating for a ‘Marijuana Act’, the association aims to secure the future of the cannabis industry and its contributions to Thailand’s economy,” he noted.