With recent legislative developments and the change in views on cannabis around the world, it is interesting to look at the situation in Thailand, where a project to ban the recreational use of cannabis is making headway. Following the election of young Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, an openly gay French-speaking person who admitted to having consumed cannabis, what does he think of this issue and how does he plan to approach the issue of cannabis in Thailand?
Gabriel Attal: His position on cannabis
In an interview given to BFMTV on January 15, 2020, Mr Attal insisted on the need for a global debate, encompassing questions of prevention, sanction and control. He therefore seems open to discussion and ready to address various aspects related to cannabis, but do we really know his position on the legalization of this controversial plant?
A personal experience with cannabis
As mentioned previously, Gabriel Attal admitted to having used cannabis in the past. This personal experience could give rise to a more pragmatic vision of the issue, taking into account the realities of regular cannabis users. However, this is not enough to determine its official position on the subject.
The need for a serious and reasoned debate
Attal seems aware of the complexity of the cannabis issue and wants all aspects to be addressed in a serious discussion. It therefore calls for an open and thoughtful debate, where each stakeholder must be heard to find a balanced solution that preserves public health while allowing regular users to consume in a responsible and supervised manner.
The ban on recreational use in Thailand: The issues
The proposed ban on the recreational use of cannabis in Thailand raises several important questions and is causing debate in the country.
The “health” component: Prevention and risk reduction
- The question of public health is central to this debate. How can cannabis consumption be regulated in order to minimize the risks associated with its use? What are the best practices to adopt in terms of prevention and awareness among young people and populations at risk?
- Furthermore, how can we ensure adequate medical and psychological follow-up for people with disorders linked to cannabis use, particularly those suffering from dependence?
The “security” aspect: Control and sanctions
- How can we guarantee a supervised and regulated cannabis market that prevents crime linked to its trafficking? What control measures should be put in place to avoid excesses and abuse?
- What types of sanctions should be considered for violators of recreational cannabis legislation? Should we favor alternative punishments or rely on repression as the main means of combat?
The “society” section: Responsible consumption and education
- How can we educate Thai citizens about the potential dangers of cannabis and teach them to consume responsibly, without risking their health or that of those around them?
- What place should we give to cannabis in our society and how can we reconcile the different opinions on this controversial plant?
In conclusion, the proposed ban on the recreational use of cannabis in Thailand raises many questions and deserves in-depth debate. Gabriel Attal seems ready to take up this challenge, with a nuanced and pragmatic position which could contribute to finding a balanced solution on this polarizing issue. However, it remains to be seen how he will manage to realize his ideas and what weight they will have in the face of both internal and external political and lobbyist pressures.
