Thailand To Change Weed Laws Soon?

It’s Still Weed Paradise Right Now, So Go If You Can

Sure, weed is already legal in most of the United States.

However, for people who are in need of a holiday and want nothing to do but relax on a tropical Asian beach while enjoying a joint, the best place is still Thailand. Or at least, for now. Last June 2022, Thailand became the first nation in Asia to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes, albeit due to some governmental loopholes that allowed adult-use dispensaries to pop up like weed around the country.

Just a few days after weed was legalized, budding (pun intended!) entrepreneurs put up all kinds of weed shops and dispensaries. The smell of marijuana was soon prevalent all over, whether you were walking down a street in Bangkok or sunbathing in Phuket. These days, weed shops are as common as ATM machines or bubble tea kiosks.

We aren’t sure how long this is going to last. Over the last 1.5 years, throngs of tourists have come from all over the world to enjoy the globe’s newest weed haven. And while many cannabis businesses and farmers are thriving economically from the weed boom, some government officials are against it. As of the time of writing, the Thai government is working on regulating the cannabis industry much more tightly, so much so that smoking weed may not be such a liberal act to enjoy anymore.

Could Thailand’s weed heydays be this short-lived?

According to the news, Thailand’s health minister is set to ban recreational marijuana use completely by year end. A new bill is forecast to be discussed to parliament before session ends in October. Anutin Charnivakul, the public health minister responsible for initially proposing cannabis legalization, didn’t intend for weed to be as widely sold and consumed as it was. Instead, he explained that he merely intended for it to be used medicinally, helping farmers and other industries earn from the economic benefits of cannabis legalization.

“We have always emphasized using cannabis extractions and raw materials for medicinal purposes and for health,” he disclosed to CNN back in July 2022. “There has never once been a moment that we would think about advocating people to use cannabis in terms of recreation – or use it in a way that it could irritate others,” he added.

They likely did not anticipate or foresee that the tourism sector would experience a massive boom due to the said loopholes in cannabis law. Nobody knew that thousands of tourists would be coming from all over to enjoy partaking, and, helping to boost the tourist economy which was much-needed after the pandemic.

In a Reuters interview with Public Health Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, he says that marijuana will only be permitted for medical use. Recreational users and cannabis growers who do not have a permit can expect to be charged with heavy fines, if the new bill is passed. “Under the new law, cannabis will be a controlled plant, so growing it would require permission. We will support cannabis cultivation for the medical and health industry,” he told Reuters.

The fines they are discussing are certainly steep: in the draft bill, it states that penalties of up to $1,690 can be charged to recreational users. Meanwhile, individuals who are caught selling weed or advertising its use can face a file of as much as $2,770, jail time, or even both.

The news to change Thailand’s once-ideal regulations regarding cannabis use was announced a few months ago, leaving businesses and other industries that are reliant on it, afraid and unable to make any plans for the future.

Can Tourists Still Smoke Weed In Thailand?

Until the government announces final changes to the weed law, tourists are still welcome to smoke weed and partake of recreational marijuana in various forms throughout the country. I just came from spending a few days in Bangkok, the nation’s capital, where hundreds of weed shops are still flourishing throughout the massive city.

Dispensaries are designed in fun, colorful interiors using bright colors and world-class marketing to attract smokers and consumers. We’ve walked into several different kinds of dispensaries and had no problems buying flower, edibles, vapes, and a variety of paraphernalia to consume either in the dispensary or in our hotel room. However, you do have to keep in mind that there are still rules in place.

For one, vaping or smoking weed in public places is still prohibited. Don’t be tempted to light up on the streets even if you can smell weed, because getting caught by the cops can lead to a $700 fine. That said, there are certain areas in Thailand where the law is a bit more – uh, relaxed. For example, in the backpacker central of Khao San Road, it’s not uncommon to see tourists lighting up at night. In the tourist beach areas of Krabi and Samui, there have been reports of tourists being able to easily light up a joint on the street with no problem.

Again, there’s no timeline of how long this is going to last. So if you can go to Thailand before the year end, when the new laws are expected to be set in place, go!

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California’s path to cannabis social equity: from arrests to advocacy

Data from the California Department of Justice reveals that nearly half a million individuals were arrested on cannabis charges in the state between 2006 and 2015. Even after Governor Schwarzenegger authorized a statewide decriminalization program in 2010, thousands continued to face serious misdemeanor charges related to cannabis. Despite California’s pioneering legalization of cannabis through Proposition 215 in 1996, just two years after the 1994 Crime Bill, the state legislature’s approach to cannabis legal reform was not as progressive as one might expect. The impact of the War on Drugs during this period was profound, with marijuana possession arrest rates increasing by 124% in 2010, even as rates for other serious crimes decreased significantly.

Proposition 64, passed a few years later, lacked any discussion addressing the damage caused by past policies. However, with social equity becoming a prominent topic in the cannabis industry, California officials have started investing significantly in social equity policies. Initiatives like the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018 and the Budget Act of 2019 reflected this shift, aiming to support the economic development of communities and individuals adversely affected by previous harsh cannabis policies in what is now a multi-billion dollar industry.

Investing in justice: California’s cannabis social equity journey

In November 2023, California officials finally announced the application process for aspiring social equity business owners via the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions which itself is an extension of Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. As the substantial costs of running a fully legal cannabis business in California can often get obscenely expensive, these large grants are meant to fund and lessen the financial burden of these exorbitant costs.

The overall purpose of this multi-million dollar initiative is “to advance economic justice for populations and communities impacted by cannabis prohibition and the War on Drugs by providing support to local jurisdictions as they promote equity in California and eliminate barriers to enter the newly regulated cannabis industry for equity program applicants and licensees,” according to the website. In February of 2023, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development distributed approximately $15 million in social equity-focused funding to 16 different cities and counties throughout the Golden State.

Breaking barriers: California’s social equity initiatives in cannabis

At the end of last month, California officials finally awarded those patiently awaited funds. Funded by a $12 million portion of the billions in tax revenue raised by California cannabis sales, the grants will go to a total of 10 different cities and counties. While most awarded counties reside in Northern California, the city of Coachella also received $350,000 in funding. In particular, Oakland received $3 million and the city and county of San Francisco received over $2 million. “California’s cannabis industry is not just about business; it’s about righting past wrongs. Through initiatives like the Cannabis Equity Grants Program, the state is investing in communities once harmed by harsh drug policies, creating opportunities and economic justice for those affected,” said California Cannabis Attorney Karen Albence.

From prohibition to inclusion: California’s cannabis equity evolution

The possibilities with this funding are nearly endless. Funds will go towards local programs offering technical support, regulatory compliance and assistance. One notable grantee includes San Jose’s Cannabis Equity Business Academy. Social equity advocates have even more progress to celebrate, as the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and Governor Gavin Newsom’s new budget proposal would invest $15 million further in similar programs by October of 2024.

Although it has taken a while for these programs to be created and even longer to be implemented, we are hopeful for this new era. This $12 million in local, social equity grants is a drop in the bucket, considering the damage that was done. But a drop is better than an empty bucket. With substantial investments and ongoing support, California is starting to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive cannabis industry– one where all individuals, regardless of background, have the chance to participate and succeed. As the state continues to allocate resources and expand such programs, the future holds promise for further progress in achieving social equity within the California cannabis landscape.

In a phase 2b clinical trial, Beckley Psytech has started treating the first subject for BPL-003, an intranasal synthetic formulation of the psychedelic chemical 5-MeO-DMT intended for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

With FDA clearance for investigational new medication status in February, this groundbreaking research represents the biggest controlled examination into the potential of 5-MeO-DMT, involving 40 locations throughout Australia, Europe, and the US.

The trial, employing a randomized, quadruple-masked design, seeks to identify optimal dosages of BPL-003, complemented by psychological support, in 225 individuals grappling with moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression, compared to a placebo group.

Efficacy will be gauged using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at various intervals throughout the trial, with all participants receiving psychological support before, during, and after dosing. An open-label extension is slated for select sites eight weeks post-initial dosing to evaluate sustained effects following a second dose.

Anticipated findings from this phase 2b endeavor, projected by late 2024, will augment insights gleaned from the ongoing phase 2a exploration of BPL-003, as highlighted by the company.

Cosmo Feilding Mellen, CEO of Beckley Psytech, expressed confidence in the compound, citing promising safety and pharmacokinetic data. He emphasized its capacity to induce brief yet profound subjective experiences correlating with therapeutic benefits, underscoring the company’s eagerness to advance BPL-003 through the clinical development pipeline.

Unprecedented Research Scope

An important turning point in the field of psychedelic research, especially in the area of mental health therapy, was reached with the start of Beckley Psytech’s phase 2b clinical experiment. The large-scale nature of this experiment highlights an important development in our knowledge of the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances, with a particular emphasis on 5-MeO-DMT for patients suffering from depression that does not respond to conventional therapy. This experiment, which spans 40 sites throughout Australia, Europe, and the US, is the biggest controlled investigation into the possible effectiveness of 5-MeO-DMT, in contrast to earlier research. This wide outreach guarantees a varied pool of participants and improves the trial’s outcomes dependability and generalizability.

A rising awareness among scientists of the need for novel strategies to tackle the widespread problems associated with treatment-resistant depression is reflected in the decision to launch such an extensive research project. Researchers want to increase the number of therapy choices available for those who have not reacted well to traditional medications by investigating the therapeutic benefits of 5-MeO-DMT in a rigorous clinical environment. The trial’s multi-site design also makes it easier for clinicians and researchers in various areas to collaborate, which promotes a group effort to further our understanding of psychedelic-assisted treatment.

The size of this phase 2b experiment not only emphasizes the significance of its findings, but also demonstrates Beckley Psytech’s dedication to pushing the limits of psychedelic research. Through strategic alliances and diligent preparation, the firm has proved its commitment to performing high-quality clinical studies that meet rigorous scientific criteria while investigating novel treatment approaches. This innovative method not only aids the area of mental health treatment, but also helps to de-stigmatize psychedelics by demonstrating their ability to treat significant psychiatric illnesses safely and responsibly.

The experiment is expected to yield valuable insights that might influence future research, clinical recommendations, and regulatory choices related to the use of psychedelic substances in mental health therapy. This is because the trial is expected to proceed and data will accrue. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is being promoted as a possible therapeutic option for the intricate problems associated with treatment-resistant depression, thanks to the combined efforts of researchers, physicians, and study participants.

Trial Design and Objectives

BPL-003’s phase 2b clinical trial has been carefully designed to assess the drug’s potential as a therapy for people with depression who are not responding to conventional treatments. The experiment uses a quadruple-masked, randomized design to reduce biases and guarantee the validity and dependability of the results. This methodological rigor bolsters the foundation for well-informed decision-making on developing BPL-003 and increases the legitimacy of the study’s findings.

Central to the trial’s objectives is the identification of optimal dosages of BPL-003 that can effectively alleviate symptoms of moderate to severe treatment-resistant depression. By employing a range of doses and comparing them against a placebo group, researchers seek to discern the therapeutic window within which BPL-003 demonstrates the greatest efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This dose-finding aspect of the trial is crucial for informing subsequent clinical studies and eventual therapeutic use.

The experiment incorporates psychological support as an additional therapeutic component in addition to dose optimization. All patients get thorough psychological care before, during, and following medication since it is acknowledged that depression is a complex condition with psychosocial components that may influence treatment outcomes. To promote complete healing and recovery, this holistic approach emphasizes the need to address not only the biology but also the psychological and emotional elements of depression.

Furthermore, the trial’s design includes strong metrics for measuring effectiveness, particularly using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at several points throughout the research. This validated method enables researchers to systematically assess changes in depression symptoms and track the therapeutic benefits of BPL-003 over time. The trial uses standardized evaluation techniques to improve the consistency and comparability of outcomes across multiple research sites, increasing the reliability and generalizability of the findings.

Evaluation Methods and Milestones

A wide range of evaluation techniques and milestones are included in the phase 2b clinical study to assess BPL-003’s effectiveness in treating depression that is resistant to therapy. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, a reliable instrument for gauging depression symptoms and treatment response, is a key component of this evaluation. Researchers can systematically monitor changes in participants’ depressed symptoms and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BPL-003 in comparison to placebo by giving this scale to participants at different intervals during the experiment.

The study underlines the need to provide psychological support to all participants before, during, and after dosing. This integrated approach stresses the need to meet the holistic needs of patients receiving therapy while also recognizing the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in depression. The study’s purpose is to improve treatment outcomes and participants’ overall well-being by offering comprehensive psychological support, such as counseling and therapeutic sessions, during the experiment.

Furthermore, the trial includes an open-label extension phase at select sites, scheduled eight weeks post-initial dosing, to evaluate the sustained effects of BPL-003 following a second dose. This extension phase allows researchers to assess the durability of treatment response and investigate the potential for long-term therapeutic benefits. By extending the observation period beyond the initial dosing phase, the trial aims to provide insights into the maintenance of treatment effects over time and inform recommendations for the optimal dosing regimen of BPL-003 in clinical practice.

Bottom Line

Beckley Psytech’s phase 2b clinical trial of BPL-003 for treatment-resistant depression marks a significant milestone in psychedelic research. With its expansive scope, rigorous trial design, and emphasis on comprehensive evaluation methods, the study holds promise for advancing our understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy. As the trial progresses and data accumulates, it is poised to provide valuable insights that could influence future treatment approaches and regulatory decisions in the field of mental health.

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