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.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

"[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.