Bangkok: Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, has responded to criticisms from the Bhumjaithai Party regarding the regulation of cannabis, asserting that ministers possess the authority to issue regulations to control the substance. He highlighted that despite this authority, cannabis has been permitted to proliferate since 2022, leading to public complaints.
According to Thai News Agency, Somsak addressed the potential reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic, limited to medical use only. He emphasized the necessity for medical professionals, like doctors and pharmacists, to adhere to specific conditions under the supervision of the Medical Council regarding cannabis use.
Somsak also discussed the status of cannabis shops, stating that internal training is essential to ensure compliance with the law. He announced plans to educate cannabis shop operators by July to prevent legal violations and ensure smooth operation of the medical distribution business. Licensed operators can continue their businesses, while those without licenses must cease operations.
The Bhumjaithai Party has urged the Ministry of Public Health to swiftly implement cannabis control laws to prevent its unchecked spread. Somsak agreed on the urgency of implementing laws, starting with the Narcotics Code, and indicated the Minister of Public Health could announce control measures as advised by the ONCB committee. He stressed the importance of clear regulations, akin to the supervision of "kratom," and warned against leaving the situation unregulated.
Somsak stressed the importance of accountability, stating that responsibility must be taken to address issues arising from cannabis regulation. He criticized the delay in implementing regulations since 2022 and emphasized the need for ministerial regulations and announcements to be issued after public hearings.
In response to comments by Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, Somsak clarified that he had been involved with the Public Health Ministry for a year, addressing numerous issues, including disease prevention related to diet. He reiterated his commitment to public health education, emphasizing the importance of reducing medical costs through dietary changes and announced plans to promote this understanding to 40 million people globally.