Unleashing Cannabis : Long-term Pain for Short-term Gains? Could seeking quick highs lead to new lows?
Thailand announced new laws related to the drug Cannabis in June 2022 that led to a frenzy of growing and distribution of the weed also known as marijuana or ganja. It is early days yet as to the social, political and economic impact this development will have for Thailand and its local and regional stakeholders in the longer term.
Parents, politicians, doctors, educators, economists and society at large should be concerned about this new development. The well-known effects of addictive pleasures and escalating highs have after all been shown to lead to a downward life spiral for the least wary amongst us.?
Here are a few of the questions that logic suggests addressing:
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With Cannabis infused products available even outside of schools, a large number of youth kept away from cannabis now find it nearly thrust in their faces; with it’s widespread availability and decriminalisation, the natural curiosity of youth and peer pressure are likely to press more into first trying and then addiction ; the staggering financial projections speak for themselves how many more new customers the Cannabis industry is targeting, according to several reports, including this report.
The deleterious effects of Cannabis include more aggravated and reckless behaviours .?
The issue of other health risks from flavoured and mixed products to create various effects exists,?as the body is made to cope with a cocktail of chemicals.
Add to the stew of individual and local?issues is the potential of contagion:?easy availability and supply means greater temptation to smuggle it across borders to markets where it is less available for profit; countries proximate to Thailand would need to exercise greater vigilance.?
Health Risks of Cannabis
There exists strong evidence that long-term use of cannabis increases the risk of psychosis, regardless of confounding factors, and particularly for people who have genetic risk factors. A 2019 meta-analysis found that 34% of people with cannabis-induced psychosis transitioned to schizophrenia.?
Find out more about the effects on health of Cannabis in the links below:
Beyond health risks to individuals, impact on family life and society has also been well-documented,?as the information below reveals:?
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Conclusion?
Given the strong body of evidence about the negative effects of Cannabis and other drugs to individuals,?society and nations,?it makes you wonder about the motivations of those who have instigated their use and promulgation. Financial profit seems the ultimate goal, all else relegated to the laws of the jungle. ?
“Medication” has been used as the euphemism justifying usage despite other safer ways to cope, with less risk to mind and body. Responsible authorities must study with greater care the long-term effects of allowing addictive drugs a normal place in society.?
For the many unwary who started off curious, the easy availability of Cannabis may well be a singular trap, rope given to hang, a one way trip. For the millions addicted, addled and ailed by drugs, the question of what life Could have been will always remain.?
It remains to be seen if this recent development benefits the few at the expense of the many (a common phenomenon where addictions are concerned ) or if this sudden liberalisation can be managed with more good than harm.
For more References and perspectives, do refer to the links below:
CEO/Founder @ EXPOSASIA | Leading M&A Advisor for MICE Industry
1 年Legalisation has started in many countries including Asia - the results are inevitable and unstoppable but controllable … no economy can afforde the task losses from Tabacco or alcohol sales - so I believe many countries will sooner or later see it as additional income source on trade and tax
Impact Advisory Solution Starter
1 年https://www.statista.com/statistics/948943/singapore-number-of-alcohol-related-deaths-by-cause/
Climate Risk and Resilience
1 年I'd be curious to see the statistics on Thai tourism from neighbouring countries where laws prohibit the use of cannabis, even if overseas. The lack of control, which is a major concern, makes it very difficult for even the most "innocent" traveler to not accidentally fall victim to consumption. Does potentially facing a penalty upon return deter anyone from even going?