KUALA LUMPUR - The announcement by the new coalition government of Thailand led by Sretta Thavisin to ban the use of cannabis for recreational purposes is a very appropriate decision.
Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) former executive council member Datuk Seri Dr Erwan Mohd Tahir said the action was a step that should be supported by all parties including Malaysia as the closest neighbouring country.
Erwan, who is also the former Police and Army Family Welfare (Poltera) advisor said not only should congratulations be extended for the new action, but it also clearly demonstrates that the effects of cannabis use are very dangerous to the public.
He emphasised that the term ‘recreation’ used previously somewhat clouds the public's perception because the real purpose of cannabis is for entertainment and causes users to become intoxicated (high).
"The recreational use of cannabis was allowed by the previous Junta government on the pretext that it could facilitate monitoring and encourage the tourism industry in the country.
"The legal permission involved various types of cannabis such as marijuana, cannabis and hemp.
"Although cannabis is a lower-category narcotic in terms of its intoxicating effects, when recreational cannabis is perceived as not strong enough, the user will begin to switch to stronger substances such as hallucinogenic pills, heroin, ice and so on," he said on Sunday.
In this regard, he said, the matter brings great harm and more negative effects are faced by the public and the government.
He said Thailand was surrounded by neighbouring countries that had very strict laws regarding cannabis use which could lead to the death penalty.
Therefore, he said Thailand's latest steps should be praised and fully supported.
He said Malaysia should be grateful for the latest action from its neighbouring country because it could save some of the citizens in this country.
This is because, he said, many cases of cannabis abuse were carried out by Malaysian citizens who visit Thailand to enjoy the effects of cannabis legally.
Moreover, he claimed, there were some Malaysians who become addicted and start smuggling cannabis illegally into this country.
"Looking at its implementation, the Thai government gave a rather long notice for the banning of the substance which will be at the end of this year.
"However, it is a very appropriate initial step to control drug abuse involving Malaysians," he said.
Meanwhile, Erwan said he personally strongly disagrees with some non-governmental organisations' (NGOs) previous suggestions that cannabis should be legalised in Malaysia.
He said besides harming society, it would also increase more social problems among youths and undoubtedly drug-related crime cases would also surely increase.
However, he said, he supports efforts to cultivate cannabis to produce Cannabidiol (CBD) which could help treat cancer, Parkinson's disease and other chronic illnesses.
He added that the use of cannabis-based materials for cosmetic, medical, and scientific purposes is still allowed by the Thai government.
"Weed and cannabis are two different types of plants because they have different THC content.
"I think it is still reasonable considering that cannabis is a natural substance that may be beneficial for certain purposes, as long as it is not misused to harm the mind," he said.