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.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

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.