Latest news with #GoodAgriculturalandCollectionPractices
Bangkok Post
6 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
Thailand's cannabis ‘clinic' transformation explained
Thailand is moving ahead quickly with new restrictions on cannabis use, with health officials announcing a plan to transform all cannabis dispensaries into medical clinics with resident doctors and standardised prescriptions. Dr Thanakrit Jitareerat, an assistant to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, on Tuesday addressed concerns expressed by cannabis advocacy networks, saying cannabis usage has increased tenfold to 1.5 million users since it was decriminalised in June 2022, prompting new control measures. Decriminalisation took place in the absence of a law to regulate cannabis, leading to an explosion in recreational use, with an estimated 18,000 weed shops nationwide. Advocates have questioned how authorities expect to restructure the $1-billion business in practical terms. The Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, issued on June 26, requires anyone wanting cannabis for medical use to obtain a prescription from a licensed member of one of seven authorised medical professions. Shops must use the standard Phor Thor 33 prescription form, the same one approved for all health providers nationwide, and submit monthly sales and prescription records, starting in July. Production and Quality Standards Cannabis must meet strict standards with minimal heavy metals, pesticides, microorganisms and fungi in order to protect consumers. Currently, 69 GACP-certified (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) cultivation plots nationwide can produce 71,850 kilogrammes of dried cannabis flowers annually, with 24,000kg exported and more than 40,000kg for domestic use. Growers with 51 additional plots are awaiting certification to boost production to 125,000kg yearly. Medical Training and Staffing Doctor training begins on July 16, with 2,000 physicians expected to complete courses, creating a ratio of one doctor per 10 cannabis shops among an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 licensed establishments. Cannabis shop staff training starts on July 17, expecting 100,000 participants. Authorities have inspected 1,565 shops since the announcement, resulting in 82 licence suspensions, five revocations, 322 closures and seven prosecutions. A public online consultation on comprehensive regulations is open until July 12. By year-end, according to Dr Thanakrit, all cannabis shops must employ licensed doctors and function as clinics rather than retail establishments. The Ministry of Public Health is also exploring ways to integrate telemedicine in order to improve access to doctors for people seeking cannabis prescriptions, he said.
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.
