Thumbs down for cannabis certificate plan

Advocates unhappy at medical use clause

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

Cannabis advocates have expressed disappointment after learning about a new Public Health Ministry initiative that will require cannabis users to have medical certificates to ensure that the plant is used for medical purposes only.

Daycha Siripatra, a traditional medicine practitioner, told the Bangkok Post that this policy would be a big barrier to people using cannabis as an alternative medical treatment.

"This policy is made without listening to people's voices," he said.

The ministry, he said, should conduct a process to gather people's opinions before reaching a resolution that has an impact on a large number of people.

"Without listening to people's opinions, the ministry will face strong opposition from people who disagree with the policy. People who invested a huge amount of money in the cannabis business will not keep silent. They will come out to voice their disappointment with the policy," he said.