Latest news with #GACP
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Pro-cannabis group wants Somsak axed
A cannabis policy advocacy group, Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network, submitted a petition to the Government Complaints Centre at the Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday, calling for the dismissal of Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The group claimed that Mr Somsak's crackdown on marijuana favoured certain cannabis business groups while causing widespread harm across the industry. The petition referred to the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), which the group said marked a major departure from previous regulations in effect since 2022. For example, the new notification removed protections for vulnerable groups such as youth, effectively making cannabis more accessible to them -- despite claims that a medical certificate would still be required. The regulation also introduced new standards for cannabis cultivation and distribution without clearly informing the public. Under the new rules, cannabis must come from sources certified by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, yet no official certification standard has been announced. The regulation was enforced immediately without a grace period, leaving nearly 20,000 licensed producers unable to sell their products through the existing system. This abrupt change, the group said, has caused millions of baht in financial losses. The network also criticised the opaque implementation of the GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) standard, which they claim was applied selectively. Only certain groups were trained and certified, resulting in discriminatory practices that allowed a limited number of businesses to continue operating. The group accused Mr Somsak of violating the ethical code for politicians, citing alleged misconduct such as disregarding principles of justice, repeatedly meeting with specific cannabis business groups, withholding key information on licensing standards, and fostering division among licensed operators by favouring some. "The network and members of the cannabis community urge the PM to consider replacing the minister by appointing someone with knowledge, competence, and a commitment to good governance -- to restore public trust and end the harm to cannabis entrepreneurs," the group said.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Weed networks still fuming
The Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network on Tuesday filed a petition with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to probe Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and other officials for issuing the latest cannabis regulations to please investors rather than small-scale growers. The complaint outlined five key concerns, including the removal of protection for vulnerable groups previously included in the 2022 regulation, such as a ban on cannabis sales to young people under 20. The 2025 version replaces the ban with a medical prescription system, making access far easier for the young, whom the state should protect, said the network. The group also touched on the imposition of Good Agriculture and Collection Practice (GACP), which requires that distributors and exporters must be certified by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. However, the criteria of the certifications and the sources of the cannabis are never announced, and thus, only a few are ever granted. The complaint addressed cannabis growers, many of whom have held legal licences and have been operating under the 2022 regulation. They now find that their products are unsellable, resulting in major losses for small businesses and communities. The regulation will also take immediate effect upon publication in the Royal Gazette, without allowing time for adaptation for the nearly 20,000 licensed shops, the network noted. The pro-cannabis network also accused the minister of unethical conduct due to his association with certain business groups in public and a lack of transparency, which limited access to economic opportunities for growers. The network said Mr Somsak, as public health minister, understands the cannabis industry in Thailand and the repercussions once the regulations come into effect. Yet, it added that he proceeded without any backup measures, which suggests his intention to benefit certain investors.
Bangkok Post
17-07-2025
- 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.
