Justice Minister ACM Prajin Juntong on Friday warned veteran Buri Ram politician-turned sports mogul, Newin Chidchob, to keep a planned pro-marijuana event purely educational, saying recreational use remains illegal.
The warning came after Mr Newin announced a three-day event in April to advocate further liberalisation of the laws on the plant, which will include workshops on its medicinal uses.
The former MP for Buri Ram is a key supporter of the Bhumjaithai Party's campaign policy to turn marijuana into a new cash crop.
ACM Prajin yesterday stressed that the amended Narcotics Act allows the cultivation and use of marijuana for medical and research purposes under strict supervision only.
He said the planned event, which is expected to discuss medical and economic benefits of marijuana, can proceed but it remains illegal to possess marijuana for recreational use, so displays or use of the plant during the event will be an offence, he said.
Mr Newin, also chairman of Buriram United International Circuit, yesterday spoke at a press conference in Bangkok, along with some of the prospective participants, to announce the April 19-21 event in Buri Ram.
He expressed support for the "the California model" proposed by the Bhumjaithai Party, where growers are registered and six marijuana plants are permitted per household. The cultivation, sale and processing of marijuana are therefore regulated by the state, he said.
Participants at the press conference included Parnthep Pourpongpan, dean of Rangsit University's Institute of Integrative and Anti-Ageing Medicine and Adm Charnchai Charoensuwan, chairman of the Thai Traditional Medical Council.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul was also present to gather further information about the plant and its benefits ahead of the election.
Mr Newin has previously slammed the government for failing to fully liberalise the growing of marijuana. He said demand for the plant for medical use was unlimited and could help turn the economy around.
"The government's move to relax the restrictions is half-baked. I'm an advocate not because I want to venture into this business, but because I believe the plant is a cure for poverty. It's a new economic crop that can improve people's livelihoods," he said.
He also expressed concern that the restrictions on cultivation would benefit big over smaller, independent investors.
He added that he supported the Bhumjaithai Party's stance and would be the one holding the party accountable to its promise.
