The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has proposed to classify cannabis flowers as a controlled herb, to prevent misuse and curb recreational use following the decriminalisation of the plant, and pending deliberation of the Cannabis and Hemp Bill in parliament.

The department’s director-general Dr. Yongyut Thammawut said today that Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, in his Facebook post, proposed the use of the law to control the possession of cannabis flowers, to prevent them from being abused for recreational purpose while there is no specific law to control the possession and use of cannabis flowers.

He said that the department will draft an announcement to place cannabis flowers under the traditional medicine protection and promotion law, expected to be completed in 3-5 days, after which it will be sent to Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for approval and announced in the Royal Gazette for enforcement.

He pointed out that the existing Public Health Act only covers nuisance caused by the smell and smoke from cannabis and does not cover cannabis flowers.

Thailand decriminalised cannabis and hemp, except for extracts with THC exceeding 0.2%, on June 9, prompting a boom in cultivation and sales. Four people have been hospitalised, with one ending up dead, after having reportedly overdosed on cannabis.