Legalization of cannabis worries most Thais, many see political links

Most Thais are worried about the legalization of marijuana, and many believe it will do more harm than good, a recent opinion survey found. The Nation/Asia News Network

BANGKOK — Most Thais are worried about the legalization of marijuana, and many believe it will do more harm than good, a recent opinion survey found.

Suan Dusit Poll collected opinions from a random group of 2,390 people between June 20 and 23. The results were announced on Sunday by researcher Pornphan Buathong.

In the poll, respondents were asked if they were concerned about cannabis being legalized on June 9. Of the respondents, 32.85 per cent said they were “very concerned”, 37.78 percent were “rather concerned”, 16.27 percent said they were “rather unconcerned” and 13.10 percent were “not concerned at all”.

When asked if they thought legalization would have more pros than cons, 52.76 percent said cons would outweigh pros, 30.17 percent said there would be as many pros as cons, while 17.07 percent said the pros would outdo cons.

As for listing their concerns about the legalization of ganja, 84.58 percent said people still lack knowledge of correct usage, 82.16 percent are worried children will have easy access to the drug, while 73.73 percent pointed out that there is still no law regulating the use of marijuana. Respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer to this question.

As for ideas on what can be done to control consumption, 88.38 percent said children and youth should be prohibited from using the herb and it should not be available anywhere near schools. Meanwhile, 82.26 percent proposed that the authorities provide correct information about ganja and closely monitor its usage in public areas. Of the respondents, 81.67 percent also proposed a ban on exaggerated claims and ads related to marijuana.

When asked to name the pros of cannabis, 74.96 percent said it was good for medical purposes, 46.46 percent said it can be used as a cash crop, while 45.38 percent said it could help keep some people out of the hospital.

Meanwhile, a resounding 60.54 percent believe the legalisation of marijuana is related to politics, 27.99 percent said it was “somewhat” related, while the remainder saw no link at all.

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