International
Thailand has started the domino effect in Asia: Malaysia could move from death penalty to legalizing medical cannabis
Malaysia may consider legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, according to statements by a Malaysian Ministry of Health official to Reuters. Neighboring Thailand's recent cannabis policy should be the example and inspiration for legalizing the medical use of cannabis in Malaysia, where the death penalty still applies for anyone possessing more than 200 grams of cannabis.
The discussion on possible legalization came after Thai Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that he would meet with his Malaysian counterpart during a ministerial meeting, where both would be present, and where Thailand would show the results of its program. .
“We are developing our own framework for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and we want to learn from Thailand,” a Ministry of Health official told Malaysia. Reuters, under anonymity.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the Malaysian government welcomed clinical trials for the medical use of cannabidiol (CBD). According to Reuters, the state news agency reported last month that the Ministry of Health intended to start registering some CBD products next year after studying their safety, although approval for the cultivation is still a ways off.
The cultivation and recreational use of cannabis is still illegal in Malaysia. Possession of more than 200 grams (7 ounces) carries a mandatory death sentence, but Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the importation and use of medical cannabis under medical prescription is permitted if it is registered and licensed by the Health Authority. Drug Control.
Thailand's extraordinary turnaround
thailand radically changed its policy on cannabis, with the Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, investing in the industry and local economy for the country's economic recovery and even appearing with shirts alluding to cannabis, at the same time as announcing the protection of four Thai varieties as national heritage. Seen as the “main driver of the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes” in his country, the Thai minister estimates that the industry could be worth more than €3 billion in five years. However, the sudden “legalization” also brought some revolt, with several doctors calling for an immediate end to recreational use in the country.
At the meeting he participated in, in Bangkok, Anutin revealed at a press conference his desire to expand his policy to other Asian countries: “the topics of discussion will be on how to move forward with this type of policy to create economic and medicinal benefits. We want everyone to recognize the ownership of this plant. The more people are interested in this field, the more development and research will be created”, quotes Reuters.
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[Disclaimer: Please note that this text was originally written in Portuguese and is translated into English and other languages using an automatic translator. Some words may differ from the original and typos or errors may occur in other languages.]____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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I am one of the directors of CannaReporter, which I founded together with Laura Ramos. I am from the unique Island of Madeira, where I currently reside. While I was in Lisbon at FCUL studying Physical Engineering, I became involved in the national hemp and cannabis scene and participated in several associations, some of which I am still a member of. I follow the global industry and especially legislative advances regarding the different uses of cannabis.
I can be contacted by email at joao.costa@cannareporter.eu
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