The Tao of Cannabis: Balancing Legalization, Prohibition, and the Future of the Industry
As cannabis continues its journey from the fringes of society into the mainstream, it encounters a complex interplay of acceptance and resistance, legalization and prohibition, support and opposition.
This duality, much like the yin and yang of ancient Taoist philosophy, defines the current landscape of cannabis policy both in Thailand and across the globe. The more cannabis becomes a part of everyday life, the more obstacles it generates for its continued flow.
In May 2024, as Thailand’s former Prime Minister doubled down on banning recreational cannabis and recriminalizing possession outside of strict parameters, the government conducted a survey revealing that 80 percent of Thais supported decriminalization.
However, this survey, sponsored by the government itself, was biased and strategically timed to reflect a narrative that supported increased regulation. Despite the poll's questionable reliability, it highlights the growing tension between the pro-cannabis movement and those who fear its societal implications. The increased opposition to cannabis legalization in Thailand is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader trend observed in other parts of the world.
Links To Consider
Doobie No Harm: Doctors and the War on Drugs by Peter Grinspoon
Why is it that when you go to your doctor to ask about medical cannabis or tell them about your medical usage, hoping to integrate it into your care, they don’t seem to know much about it? The sensible dictum to “discuss your medical cannabis use with your doctor” collides with the grim reality that when you do, it is rare that anything helpful occurs. At this point in history, most doctors are in favor of, or at least not opposed to, legal access to medicinal cannabis. But, as a profession, we know very little about it and aren’t good at discussing it with patients. It wasn’t always so.
Throughout the second half of the nineteenth century, right up until 1937, when cannabis became effectively prohibited in the United States by the Marihuana Tax Act, doctors routinely prescribed cannabis tinctures and considered it to be an effective, mainstream medicine. It wasn’t controversial. The American Medical Association, back when it was a helpful organization, testified against the criminalization of cannabis
In the US, the claim that cannabis legalization has been a failure is the headline in countless stories and has become another battle in the endless culture wars. A taste:
“Why Legal Marijuana Has Failed” - Published in The Atlantic, this opinion piece argues that despite the promise of legalization, the reality has been disappointing. Issues like black market persistence, regulation hurdles, and social justice concerns have led to the perception that legalization hasn't delivered on its promises.
Full Article: The Atlantic
“Cannabis Legalization in Canada Has Failed” - This article on Forbes argues that Canada's legalization experiment hasn't addressed key issues like black market competition and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of legalization. It also touches on the failure to protect public health adequately.
Full Article: Forbes
"The Cannabis Industry’s Big (Il)Legal Problem" - This New York Times opinion piece discusses how the legal cannabis market has struggled to compete with the illicit market. The article highlights issues such as high taxation, burdensome regulations, and the persistence of illegal operations as significant challenges to the success of cannabis legalization.
Full Article: The New York Times
“Legalizing Marijuana Has Done More Harm Than Good” - This op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal critiques cannabis legalization, arguing that it has led to increased drug use among teens, public health concerns, and a rise in traffic accidents. The article suggests that the societal costs of legalization may outweigh the benefits.
Full Article: The Wall Street Journal
“The Failure of Marijuana Legalization” - Published in National Review, this opinion piece argues that legalization has failed to eliminate the black market, has not provided the expected tax revenues, and has led to negative public health outcomes. The author also questions the broader social implications of making cannabis more widely available.
Full Article: National Review
Here in Thailand, as bizarre as it may sound - given the dizzying number of “U-turns” already made regarding decriminalization, the new Prime Minister, known for her strident rhetoric against cannabis, could open the door yet again to more plans for treating cannabis like just another lethal street drug with little to no redeeming value.
For marijuana research, rescheduling would be only the beginning by Robert Kent
Medical marijuana statistics
In states where marijuana is legal, doctors prescribed an average of 1,826 fewer daily doses of painkillers per year to patients enrolled in Medicare Part D.
Using those figures, making medical marijuana accessible nationwide could result in cost savings of up to $500 million per year.
If marijuana is rescheduled, our first priority must be expanding research to study the use of medical cannabis for treating pain and other conditions for seniors in a controlled way – and integrating compassionate care within a payer-provider healthcare system such as Medicare Advantage.
The potential savings to the Medicare system could be substantial, and it could help improve the quality of life for seniors.
The DOJ and Drug Enforcement Administration are on the verge of ushering in one of the most historic moments in marijuana since the 1970s, but that moment will remain little more than a squandered opportunity without additional action.
Now is the time to pave the way for more research on medical cannabis as an alternative to prescription drugs – to reduce the 65-and-older population’s reliance on opioids for treating pain and other medical conditions.
Integrating medical cannabis into senior care could improve the lives of millions of older Americans who deserve more and better treatment options as they navigate increasingly complex health issues in their golden years.
Robert Kent served as general counsel to the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy during the first two years of the Biden-Harris administration.
The Yin and Yang of Cannabis Legalization
Taoist philosophy teaches us that life is a continuous balancing act between opposing forces. As Laozi writes in the *Tao Te Ching*, "When people see some things as beautiful, other things become ugly. When people see some things as good, other things become bad." This duality is evident in the cannabis debate. The push for legalization, seen by many as a positive step forward, inevitably creates resistance. Those who view cannabis as a societal threat see legalization as the catalyst for moral decay, leading to a reactive push for prohibition.
The Tao doesn’t take sides; it acknowledges that both good and evil, light and dark, are part of the same whole. Similarly, the cannabis debate is not simply a matter of right versus wrong. The increasing mainstream acceptance of cannabis does not exist in a vacuum; it generates equal and opposite forces that seek to curb its influence. As Laozi reminds us, "The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil."
Thailand as a Case Study: Innovation in the Face of Uncertainty
Thailand’s recent cannabis policy serves as a microcosm of this larger global struggle. The Thai government’s decision to decriminalize cannabis under strict conditions was initially hailed as a progressive move, especially in a region known for its harsh drug laws. However, this step toward legalization has been met with significant resistance from various factions within the country, reflecting the same push-pull dynamic observed elsewhere.
Within this dynamic, Thai cannabis has seen some of the most progressive market innovations on the planet. Companies like Taratera have begun exporting, while American market leader, Kanha has a plant in Thailand and is exporting to Japan. A Japanese cultivation center is creating pipelines to cannabis-based medications, and another company is experimenting with advanced hybrid indoor/outdoor greenhouses and decentralized track and trace systems. The list of innovations goes on.
This is what an industry of passionate movers and shakers that is left alone for two years can transform into.
Now, however, it's time for regulations. The industry is ready to comply, but what is lacking is integrated education to push back the waves of stigma that continue to lap against the shores of this amazing marketplace. The more cannabis seeps into the mainstream, the more it will encounter resistance—this is the yin and yang of progress.
The Role of Thought Leaders in the Cannabis Industry
As cannabis continues to navigate the complexities of legalization, thought leaders in the industry have a crucial role to play. The international friends of cannabis must be engaged on the civic front. You cannot abdicate that responsibility because any part of that civic responsibility that is abdicated will be taken up by prohibitionists and gleeful punishers—and used against you. Experts must popularize the technical aspects and make them accessible to laypeople. Leaders must show how their knowledge and work apply to the lives of conscious cannabis consumers.
Surprising Backlash Against Cannabis: What’s Fueling America’s Changing Views? By Ben Caplan, MD
New data shows a surprising shift in America’s view of cannabis—what’s behind it?
Cannabis has dominated headlines for years, with more states legalizing it for both medical and recreational use. You might expect that public opinion would be growing more favorable, especially with all the research highlighting its benefits. But here’s a twist: a Gallup poll published this week reveals that Americans are actually viewing cannabis more negatively than they did just a year ago. It’s surprising, isn’t it? Why, in a time of increased legalization and scientific support, are perceptions moving in the opposite direction? Let’s take a closer look at the data, examine the misconceptions, and try to piece together what’s really going on.
The Numbers: A Surprising Shift
The latest Gallup poll from July 2024 reveals some pretty startling statistics:
• 📉 54% of Americans now believe marijuana negatively impacts society.
• 📊 51% think it has a negative effect on most users.
• 🧠 Yet, despite these concerns, cannabis is still viewed as less harmful than seven other substances, including cigarettes and alcohol.
These numbers paint a picture of a significant change from just a year ago. Back then, public opinion was much more balanced, with many people seeing the positive effects of cannabis. Now, it seems the tide has turned, and more Americans are leaning towards the negative. But why? What’s driving this shift? And is it really justified?
Cannabis CEOs, in particular, have stories to tell and narratives to unfold. Where are they? These stories are not just marketing tools—they are security measures against the unforgiving political seas of Southeast Asia. As Laozi says, "The wise embrace the one and set an example to all." In this context, the "one" can be seen as the unified approach to cannabis regulation that balances the benefits and risks. By embracing this balance and setting an example through education and advocacy, the cannabis community can help steer the conversation in a positive direction.
The Struggle for Destigmatization
One of the central challenges in the cannabis debate is the ongoing struggle to destigmatize the plant. Despite the progress made in recent years, cannabis remains a highly stigmatized substance in many parts of the world. This stigma fuels opposition to legalization and creates obstacles for those advocating for a more rational and humane cannabis policy.
A custom newsletter, tailored to the needs of thought leaders in the cannabis industry, can serve as a powerful tool in this struggle. By providing accurate information, sharing success stories, and highlighting the benefits of cannabis, such a platform can help to change public perceptions and contribute to the ongoing effort to destigmatize cannabis.
The content they seek is not so much the dense scientific essay but the popularized version that spells out its relevance for consumers. They want the capacity to make informed decisions and to hold intelligent conversations with their peers that can lead to additional understanding and deeper appreciation. What conscious cannabis users want is a close, enlightened relationship with the plant.
As Laozi advises, "The Tao doesn’t take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil." In the context of cannabis, this means recognizing that the push for legalization will inevitably generate resistance, but that this resistance can be overcome with the right strategies and tools.
Embracing the Tao of Cannabis
The journey of cannabis from the shadows to the mainstream is far from straightforward. It is a path marked by both progress and setbacks, acceptance and opposition, light and dark. By understanding and embracing the Tao of cannabis—the dynamic balance between opposing forces—we can better navigate the challenges ahead.
As cannabis continues to seep into the mainstream, it will undoubtedly generate new obstacles. But by staying informed, staying balanced, and continuing to advocate for the benefits of cannabis, we can ensure that this plant, long stigmatized and misunderstood, finally takes its rightful place in society.
The struggle for cannabis is not just a legal or economic battle; it's a cultural and philosophical one. It requires us to engage, educate, and elevate the conversation, to ensure that the progress made is not swept away by the tides of prohibition. The more we can integrate the principles of the Tao—the balance of yin and yang, the acceptance of duality—into our approach, the more successful we will be in navigating the complex waters of cannabis legalization and destigmatization.
Cannabis CEOs and thought leaders, the time to act is now. Your stories, your narratives, your insights are the keys to unlocking a future where cannabis is not only accepted but celebrated. Let's tell those stories, unfold those narratives, and push forward with the knowledge that while the path may be fraught with challenges, it is also rich with opportunities.