Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stated on Thursday that the freer availability of cannabis in Thailand will offer greater issues, as many individuals travel to and from Singapore (Sep 1).
Mr. Shanmugam was replying to a question from Malaysian broadcaster Astro Awani on the impact of Thailand's move to legalize cannabis on the region and Singaporean drug problem.
"Would it be an issue? I believe the increased availability of cannabis in Thailand, from which a large number of Singaporeans go and from which a large number of tourists visit Singapore, will bring further issues.
Singapore authorities would take action if there is clear evidence of ongoing drug use, regardless of whether the usage occurred in Singapore or abroad, the minister stated in a Facebook post concerning national swimmers Joseph Schooling and Amanda Lim earlier on Thursday.
Both Schooling and Lim acknowledged to drug use in the past, he said in the post.
Cannabis usage is hazardous and addictive, according to research, said Mr. Shanmugam, emphasizing that it can cause irreparable brain damage, brain shrinkage, and severe mental and psychological disorders.
"Some pharma corporations and NGOs with vested interests have suggested that cannabis is a mild drug and that cannabinoids have medicinal advantages," he continued.
"But in reality, they are motivated by the urge to make money, the green rush." It is a lucrative industry."
Mr. Shanmugam, who is also Singapore's Law Minister, stated that the use of cannabis for medical purposes is permitted in Singapore if physicians recommend it.
After Thailand decriminalized the selling of cannabis in June, the government "had to attempt to control the impacts," he continued.
"Within a week, cannabis was everywhere in beverages, food, toothpaste, and cookies," he added.
The Thai government declared schools cannabis-free zones, prohibited public smoking, and prohibited the sale of cannabis to pregnant and nursing women. Mr. Shanmugam stated that measures were also taken to protect kids and vulnerable segments of the society.
"However, if it is in cookies, soft drinks, and toothpaste, how can breastfeeding moms be protected? How can you safeguard pregnant women? How can you safeguard small children? How is this policed? "Therefore, once you do this, control becomes harder," he continued.
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