Luna Stower, Chief Impact Officer at Ispire, emphasizes the critical need to prioritize medical marijuana in cannabis policy discussions. Despite the focus on adult-use legalization, Stower argues that medical cannabis remains fundamental to the movement, providing essential relief to patients suffering from chronic conditions. She also highlights the crucial role of medical marijuana in shaping global cannabis regulations, particularly in countries hesitant about full legalization.
Thailand’s newly appointed health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has announced plans to review the country’s cannabis policy, raising concerns about a potential reversal of the legalization measures implemented in 2022. The ministry is seeking public input to determine the extent of cannabis liberalization in the country. Somsak’s comments follow those of his predecessor, Cholnan Srikaew, who sought to ban recreational cannabis use. However, a bill to this effect has been delayed amid bureaucratic processes and industry opposition. The use of cannabis has become a highly politicized issue in Thailand, with the Prime Minister also vowing to restrict its usage to medicinal purposes only.
