Latest news with #GACP
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Group seeks axing of new rules 'favouring big players'
A pro-cannabis group has called on the Ministry of Public Health to immediately scrap a new ministerial regulation aimed at restricting cannabis use to medical purposes, warning it will lead to the monopolisation of the industry by large-scale investors and harm small operators. During a small protest held at the ministry on Wednesday, members of the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future network demanded that the ministry withdraw the draft regulation, expected to take effect in November. The group claimed the new rules would drive up operating costs and push more than 18,000 registered cannabis shops out of business, leaving fewer than 2,000 in operation. Prasitchai Nunual, the network's secretary-general, said the policy undermines small cannabis farmers who cannot meet the Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standard required for medicinal-grade cannabis, effectively locking them out of the market. "This will result in a complete monopoly of the cannabis industry," he said. "The ministry must immediately revoke the draft and instead adopt our version, which includes a subcommittee to ensure fair cannabis policymaking." He added that if the ministry fails to act by July 28, the group will lodge a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission the following day, urging an investigation into possible irregularities in the GACP licensing process. The group also called for the resignation of Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, accusing him of facilitating policies that favour corporate investors. A large-scale protest is being planned for August if their demands are not met, Mr Prasitchai added. Meanwhile, Dr Thewan Thanirat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, told attendees at a cannabis policy workshop on Wednesday that the department would begin strict inspections of cannabis shops nationwide. He stressed that products must be of pharmaceutical grade, free of heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contamination, and must meet medical standards for THC and CBD content. Every batch will require laboratory testing to ensure consumer safety. He noted that while medicinal-grade cannabis is more expensive, at 10,000 baht per kilo, it ensures safe and effective treatment.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Cannabis curbs 'won't lead to monopoly'
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has rejected claims that the reclassification of cannabis as a controlled herb would benefit large businesses, saying the absence of control will result in a monopoly that would harm the sector. "[The current situation] does not benefit anyone. If left uncontrolled, large businesses will ultimately find a way to dominate," he said. When asked if the government will ultimately reclassify cannabis as an illicit drug, Mr Somsak stressed the need for a "moderate approach", saying the government won't have to resort to such a measure if the right controls are in place. His remarks came as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future, a cannabis advocacy network, staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Public Health to protest the reclassification of cannabis and its potential relisting as a Category 5 narcotic. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunual, estimated 300-500 people took part in the protest, most of whom were business owners who set up cannabis dispensaries after it was legalised three years ago. Mr Prasitchai said the network was concerned by Mr Somsak's recent statements, which hinted at the recriminalisation of cannabis, as well as the prolonged deadlock over the Cannabis Act, which has given the Public Health Ministry undue powers to set policies on the matter through ministerial announcements. Mr Prasitchai called on the government not to reverse course, warning that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would lead to a resurgence of the black market. He also called on the government to urgently pass the relevant controls, saying enforcement is key to preventing the abuse of cannabis. He said while cannabis growers are required to meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) outlined in the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, many were able to obtain the certificate for 500,000 baht, without having to prove that they have actually met the requirements. He said that effective cannabis control should focus on quality testing rather than GACP standards that impose impractical restrictions on growers, such as enclosed growing facilities equipped with CCTV cameras. Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, received a petition from the group on Mr Somsak's behalf. He said that there are no immediate plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He emphasised the need to take into account wider public opinion on the matter and urged against politicising the issue.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Curbs 'won't lead to monopoly'
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has rejected claims that the reclassification of cannabis as a controlled herb would benefit large businesses, saying the absence of control will result in a monopoly that would harm the sector. "[The current situation] does not benefit anyone. If left uncontrolled, large businesses will ultimately find a way to dominate," he said. When asked if the government will ultimately reclassify cannabis as an illicit drug, Mr Somsak stressed the need for a "moderate approach", saying the government won't have to resort to such a measure if the right controls are in place. His remarks came as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future, a cannabis advocacy network, staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Public Health to protest the reclassification of cannabis and its potential relisting as a Category 5 narcotic. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunual, estimated 300-500 people took part in the protest, most of whom were business owners who set up cannabis dispensaries after it was legalised three years ago. Mr Prasitchai said the network was concerned by Mr Somsak's recent statements, which hinted at the recriminalisation of cannabis, as well as the prolonged deadlock over the Cannabis Act, which has given the Public Health Ministry undue powers to set policies on the matter through ministerial announcements. Mr Prasitchai called on the government not to reverse course, warning that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would lead to a resurgence of the black market. He also called on the government to urgently pass the relevant controls, saying enforcement is key to preventing the abuse of cannabis. He said while cannabis growers are required to meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) outlined in the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, many were able to obtain the certificate for 500,000 baht, without having to prove that they have actually met the requirements. He said that effective cannabis control should focus on quality testing rather than GACP standards that impose impractical restrictions on growers, such as enclosed growing facilities equipped with CCTV cameras. Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, received a petition from the group on Mr Somsak's behalf. He said that there are no immediate plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He emphasised the need to take into account wider public opinion on the matter and urged against politicising the issue.
Bangkok Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Chafing under medical marijuana changes
Small business owners and employees in cannabis shops have raised concerns about the abrupt regulatory changes on the use of cannabis and their economic impact. An announcement by the Ministry of Public Health last week tightening regulations on cannabis flower buds has shaken the industry. Signed by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin on June 23, the policy restricts cannabis sales and imposes licensing requirements aimed at making cannabis for medical use only. People wanting to buy cannabis will in future have to present a doctor's prescription and a medical certificate, Mr Somsak said. The regulation took effect on Thursday. Mr Somsak confirmed that cannabis will be reclassified as a narcotic in the near future. Some regulatory issues stemming from cannabis changes in the past were still unresolved, such as the classification of cannabis as a controlled herb under the Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection Act. This allowed cannabis shops to open and the cultivation of the plant as previous curbs were loosened. However, the rules lacked provisions for medical use, the minister said. Impact 'immense' The Bangkok Post talked to weed shop owners and staff to hear their concerns and how they will get into the swing of things. At Apollo Cannabis 1988, Bangkok, owner Pan, 37, felt the immediate effects. "The impact is immense," Mr Pan said. "Today, I had to close my shop for half a day just to secure a 'patient card'." He runs a small cannabis farm supplying his own store, but under the regulations, his farm-grown cannabis no longer qualifies for sale without a Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certificate. "We can't sell our homegrown product any more," Mr Pan said. "We now have to buy cannabis from government-certified suppliers. Previously, one gramme cost around 40 baht wholesale. Overnight, prices jumped dramatically to 120 baht per gramme." This sharp increase in production costs threatens Mr Pan's business sustainability, despite his proactive approach. "The added cost is burdensome, no doubt, but the evolving legal framework still presents opportunities for manoeuvring," he added. Prior to 2022, cannabis was a restricted Category 5 narcotic in Thailand, with limited medical use. However, the government's decision to decriminalise cannabis in September that year sparked a rapid surge in cannabis-related businesses, from cafes to dispensaries. This boom transformed local economies and consumer culture, although the government, under its present guise, has decided to pull back on those changes. Reports say shops selling cannabis will have to turn into dispensaries, complete with trained medical staff. At B Good @21Market, Bangkok, employee Bank, 28, described how quickly businesses are having to adjust. Despite having been employed for only two months, he already sees challenges ahead. "We have to adapt swiftly, it's competition," Bank said, noting the requirement to secure medical prescriptions for cannabis sales. Bank expressed concern about the implications of mandatory medical oversight, which involves hiring licensed professionals from seven specified fields: general medicine, Thai traditional medicine, applied Thai traditional medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and traditional local healers. "The government announcement was sudden," he added. When asked whether the shop plans to hire any professionals, he replied, "We have already started the process. We have to comply with the regulations." Doubts over effectiveness While some shop owners are adjusting to the changes, not everyone is convinced they will work. Another employee, Ham, 23, at Friendly Cannabis, Bangkok, was sceptical about the quality assurances touted by the new GACP certification requirements. Having worked nearly two years in the industry, Ham aired doubts about the standards of GACP-certified cannabis. "From my experience, GACP doesn't always guarantee cleanliness or superior quality," he said. "Chemical contamination can still occur." Ham shared a troubling consequence of tightened regulations: Friendly Cannabis's previous branch in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, was forced to close when the owners stopped leasing or renting spaces for cannabis businesses amid regulatory uncertainty. Ham highlighted another unintended consequence: mandatory patient registration cards. "We might have to become 'patients' ourselves to comply," Ham said. This bureaucratic step, he suggested, seems disconnected from practical cannabis use and adds another barrier to operations. Mr Pan, at Apollo Cannabis, said mandatory patient cards also complicate transactions with tourists. "Tourists must also get these cards, valid for one year," he said. "This increases their cost and effort." Despite the chaos, Mr Pan acknowledged one silver lining. "The regulations will eliminate substandard operations," he said. Still, the uncertainty lingers heavily, affecting small businesses' ability to plan long-term strategies. Owners and employees alike conveyed frustration about the government's flip-flop policy changes, which have destabilised a previously booming sector. With limited support to navigate the regulations, which were introduced abruptly, cannabis businesses face a challenging future, balancing compliance and financial viability.
Time Magazine
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time Magazine
Thailand's Marijuana Un-Legalization: What to Know
In 2022, Thailand bucked a trend in Asia. While many other countries in the region have historically meted out harsh punishments for drug use and even tightened restrictions in recent years, Thailand became the continent's first to remove marijuana from its list of illegal narcotics. Since then, marijuana production and sale became a sprawling national industry, spawning around 11,000 dispensaries, sourcing from farms across the country. The industry, which also helped Thailand become a tourist haunt for those looking to access the substance, was estimated in 2022 to hit $1.2 billion by 2025. Now, however, the Thai government is harshing that buzz as it moved to restrict access to the drug. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signed an order Monday, which took effect this week, that reclassified cannabis buds as a controlled herb and banned shops from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription. A version of the policy is now available on the Thai Royal Gazette online. But Somsak isn't stopping there: he vowed to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic—effectively recriminalizing its recreational use. While the government says that this was a move to protect children and youth, who reportedly suffer because of increased access, critics and activists say that political infighting has played a key role in the tightening of marijuana policies, at the expense of small businesses. What does the new order say? The new order requires licenses for those who wish to study, export, sell, or process cannabis buds for commercial reasons. They must report data on the source, use, and amount of cannabis that they possess—and the cannabis buds should be sourced from a producer that meets the Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine's Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) standards. Cannabis can no longer be sold through vending machines, electronic channels, or computer networks. It and its derivative products cannot be sold in religious sites, dormitories, public parks, zoos, and amusement parks. It can also no longer be advertised. The sale of cannabis for smoking in cannabis business establishments will also be banned unless sold by medical practitioners, including Thai and Chinese medicine practitioners and dentists, for the treatment of their patients. Prescriptions from medical professionals will be accepted, though they must specify the amount of drug, which should not exceed 30-day use. Violators may face up to a year in prison and a 20,000-baht fine. How is politics involved? Decriminalization in 2022 was pushed by then-Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who ran for Prime Minister in 2023 as head of the Bhumjaithai Party but lost. Bhumjaithai did, however, join the governing coalition of Pheu Thai, the populist party that ended up taking power but that had campaigned on recriminalizing marijuana. Since the removal of cannabis from the illegal narcotics list, no comprehensive law regulating its use was passed. This allowed the quick, albeit legally complex, boom of marijuana businesses, but authorities say it also facilitated the smuggling of marijuana, reaching countries as far as the United Kingdom and India. Following tensions over a Cabinet seat and a border-dispute flareup with Cambodia, the Bhumjaithai Party left the coalition earlier this month, raising concerns that Pheu Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's rule may end. But as Paetongtarn clings to power for now, Bhumjaithai leaving the coalition has allowed Pheu Thai to pursue its promises of restricting the use of marijuana to medical purposes only. The Thai public has viewed marijuana negatively, with a 2024 poll showing a majority in favor of relisting it as a narcotic. How has the industry reacted? Speaking to the Bangkok Post, small- and medium-sized cannabis growers said the tightening of restrictions will force some farms to close. A producer named Somkiat Nitiketkosol told the paper that such stringent requirements would also open the floodgates for corrupt practices: 'Most permits are going to big players, while small farmers like me are left waiting or falling victim to scams.' Chokwan Chopaka, a Thai cannabis activist who leads Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network—a group of users, business owners, and producers of the plant—said they plan to protest the order. Chokwan argues that businesses will not disappear overnight following the new rules, which will only push sales of the drug underground. 'Thailand had always been known for sabai sabai [easygoing, lax] culture where many illegal products from sex toys, prescription drugs, vape pens, illegal money exchange, and sex workers are readily available on the side of the road to service all types of tourist, together with well organised groups, to supply and manage those products locally (massage parlour, gogobars, illegal gambling house etc.),' she tells TIME. 'With the new announcement, cannabis will be just but another thing that will go back to being managed by the corrupt underground system.'
