Cannabis users protest over plant being reclassified as drug in Thailand

Cannabis supporters protested over the plant being reclassified as a narcotic in Thailand.

Members of the pro-cannabis group, Writing Thai Cannabis' Future, gathered in front of the United Nations office and Government House on July 8 in Bangkok to decry the move.

The drug had been decriminalized a couple of years ago - sparking an explosion of gaudy shops and throngs of unwashed stoners sprawled on streets across the country.

But following the u-turn due to ane explosion in mental health cases, protesters in favor of the drug marched as they brandished small potted cannabis plants in the air. They wore black shirts with the words 'Return the future of cannabis to citizens' on the front.

Some had even brought tents, threatening to camp out in front of the Government House until their demands are met.

The rally was held as the Ministry of Public Health's committee on illegal drugs endorsed the re-listing of cannabis and hemp as a narcotic. The reclassification applies to all parts of the plants except for their branches, leaves, roots, and seeds.

Cannabis buds and any materials containing more than 0.2 per cent per cent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will also be classified as narcotics.

The panel had voted in favour of the re-listing, which is expected to take effect next January if approved by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.

Prasitchai Nunual, secretary-general of the Writing Thai Cannabis' Future group, said the move was 'not in the public's interest and could constitute an administrative offence.'

He also said he would file criminal and civil lawsuits against Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin and the committee, and vowed to launch a public campaign against them.

Mongkolchai Somudorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, has received a letter listing the protesters' demands and said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will address their concerns today, July 9.

Thailand saw a surge of neon-lit cannabis dispensaries after the substance was decriminalised in June 2022 during former army general Prayut Chan-o-cha's leadership, with impoverished farmers hoping it would become a new cash crop.

However, government officials are now furiously backpedalling amid an explosion in mental health complaints and gaudy shops that have attracted an even lower class of holidaymakers than the country's infamous sex tourists - stoners.

Officials will now outlaw recreational cannabis, blaming poorly regulated use for allegedly fuelling drug abuse.