Bangkok’s new governor said an autopsy is needed to confirm the cause of a man’s death which has whipped up Reefer Madness-style hysteria in the tabloids.
A day after he blamed the unidentified 51-year-old man’s death on a cannabis overdose – prompting some to condemn its legalization as premature – Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said today that it was too early to reach any conclusions.
“Initial reports said the man had a history of using cannabis,” Chadchart said. “But we’re still waiting for autopsy results to see if the man suffered from other health conditions.”
While overconsumption of cannabis can lead to unpleasant reactions including nausea, anxiety and high blood pressure, it is usually not fatal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
After it was decriminalized Thursday, reports spread of four people admitted to hospitals in Bangkok for treatment of “cannabis overdose.” The deceased man suffered chest pain and later died of heart failure at the Charoen Krung Pracharak Hospital.
“First man dies of cannabis overdose after Thai legalization,” read one of many inaccurate headlines rushed out by domestic media outlets in response.
The other patients were reportedly 16, 17, and 25.
On Tuesday, Chadchart announced the man’s death, attributing it to consuming too much weed.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the public face of the legalization effort, showed his frustration when pushed by reporters about the alleged overdose death. He suggested to reporters that it was being done to discredit him.
But complaints have spread that lawmakers were too slow to act on legislation that would impose basic regulations.
Since cannabis was delisted as a controlled substance – and until the Cannabis Act is passed and enacted – there are no legal controls on its use – not even an age limit.
Blunt truth: Media keep getting it wrong on Thai cannabis legalization
Dispensaries can set whatever rules they want for now, according to Pasit “Pong” Chulasata of The Dispensary, a Sala Daeng-area shop that checks IDs to verify patrons are over 20.
The Dispensary co-owner Kajkanit “Gem” Sakdisubha told Coconuts on Wednesday that “deaths from cannabis overdose are very unlikely to happen.”
Chadchart said City Hall would monitor the situation and educate students and teachers about cannabis. Bangkok is also planning to declare its schools cannabis-free zones, Chadchart said.
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