Bangkok: Dr. Prapon Tangsrikiattikul, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Health, has urged for the swift passage of legislation governing the use of cannabis. He highlighted the absence of significant problems associated with cannabis over the past three years and argued against the need to reclassify it as a drug.

According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Prapon discussed the necessity of implementing a Cannabis Plant Control Act following the removal of cannabis from the list of narcotics by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the then Minister of Public Health. He stressed that while cannabis has been recognized for its medical benefits, its misuse remains an issue. The lack of legislative action to regulate cannabis plants, despite its decriminalization, has been a point of concern.

Dr. Prapon argued that the lack of major issues with cannabis use contrasts with the ongoing problems associated with methamphetamine, which has resulted in more negative incidents. He sees no need to revert cannabis to a narcotic classification.

Addressing concerns from academics regarding usage limitations, Dr. Prapon expressed apprehension that without clear guidelines, doctors may hesitate to prescribe cannabis. He emphasized the need for professional councils to establish definitive guidelines on appropriate cannabis use for different symptoms to ensure its beneficial use.