Malaysia wants to learn from Thailand about possibly legalizing medical marijuana

As Thailand enjoys its newfound weed-related liberties , Malaysia is now seriously mulling the possibility of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes, with a legal framework for widespread use to be drawn up using lessons learned from its northern neighbors. This was admitted to Reuters by an official from Malaysia’s health ministry, who wished to remain anonymous. It also comes following news that health minister Khairy Jamaluddin was to meet his Thai counterpart at the APEC meeting of health ministers in Bangkok next week, where Thai officials will present their latest observations and findings regarding the impact of widespread legal marijuana use in the country so far.

Medical marijuana was legalized in Thailand in 2018, and the growing, possession, and consumption of marijuana plants around the country was completely decriminalized earlier this year. As a result, there has been a boom in consumption of the plant for medicinal purposes, with cannabis now being used even in food and drink products. And while Thai laws have only cleared marijuana for use in medical contexts, there have been allowances made for cannabis to be consumed in more recreational settings.

From an economic standpoint, the legalization of marijuana in Thailand could end up seeing the emergence of a new sector worth more than US$3 billion within the next five years, according to Thai Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul. “Topics of discussion will be on how to jointly move forward this kind of policy in order to create benefits, economically and medically,” he said. “We want everyone to recognize the property of this cannabis plant.

The more people are interested in this field, the more development and research it will create. ” In response, Malaysia is now heavily considering following in Thailand’s footsteps, with the anonymous official reportedly saying that the country is now “developing its own framework for the usage of cannabis for medical purposes”, with a willingness to learn from Thailand about execution and implementation. Right now, marijuana use and cultivation is strictly prohibited in Malaysia, with possession above 200 kilograms punishable by death.

But government officials including the likes of Jamaluddin and former minister of youth and sports Syed Saddiq have expressed enthusiasm about making marijuana legal for medicinal purposed in the country. Jamaluddin in particular has said that cannabis-infused products already registered and licensed with the Drug Control Authority would be deemed legal for consumption with a doctor’s prescription, while he has also voiced support for clinical research regarding the use of cannabidiol (CBD) – an active ingredient derived from the cannabis plant that does not produce the “high” sensations usually associated with weed, and that has many purported medical benefits. 11 Asian horror flicks to make Hungry Ghost Month even scarier than it already is 13.

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