ความหมายใหม่ของกัญชาเพื่อนันทนาการในสังคมไทย โดยผู้ใช้สายเขียว

Abstract

Following the Thai government's decision to remove cannabis from the list of narcotics, there has been a societal surge of both opposition and support for legal cannabis. Amidst this confusing and tumultuous situation, this research aims to study the new meanings attributed to recreational cannabis in Thai society, focusing specifically on the perspectives of recreational cannabis users. The objectives are: 1) To understand the process of constructing meanings or discourses about cannabis as a narcotic that has continuously and long-lastingly affected people's understanding in Thai society; 2) To demonstrate the impact on the daily lives of recreational cannabis users resulting from this meaning construction; 3) To examine how recreational cannabis users contest the meanings associated with cannabis. The research employs three methodologies: semi-structured in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentary research. The study reveals three significant findings Firstly, the construction of cannabis meaning as a narcotic is primarily a result of interference from powerful nations, with Thai social institutions, including legal institutions, educational institutions, and mass media, serving as crucial mechanisms in creating and disseminating negative images of cannabis. Secondly, the stigmatization of cannabis users affects lifestyles to varying degrees, depending on frequency of use, patterns of use, and social status. However, Thai society generally stigmatizes cannabis users severely due to harsh legal penalties, ranging from contemptuous looks to ruined futures following legal prosecution. Thirdly, recreational cannabis users have created new meanings for cannabis, divided into two main approaches. One views cannabis as a tool for emotional management, used to manage stress, enhance daily activities, and create mental tranquility. The other sees cannabis as a component of identity and lifestyle, becoming an integral part of life, a source of income, and creativity. These new meanings that recreational cannabis users attribute to cannabis differ from the original image that viewed cannabis users as violent, reckless, dangerous, and intellectually inferior individuals. In the perspective of recreational cannabis users, cannabis has been elevated from a symbol of failure and addiction to a symbol of peace, happiness, and creativity. This study reflects the complexity of the phenomenon of recreational cannabis use in Thai society and highlights the need to review societal policies and attitudes towards cannabis and its users. The researcher proposes considering approaches to decriminalization and harm reduction to address substance abuse issues efficiently and sustainably, considering individual rights, social impacts, and the balance between freedom and responsibility.