Recent developments in Thailand may have sparked a domino effect in Asia, as Malaysia – where the death penalty still exists for possession of cannabis – starts conversations about legalisation.
This article was originally published
via Cannareporter
and is republished here with permission.
Malaysia is contemplating the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal purposes. This consideration was announced by a Health Ministry official, indicating a noticeable shift in the country’s stance toward cannabis.
In recent times, Thailand’s progressive cannabis policy reform may have influenced Malaysia’s interest. Here, the death penalty is imposed on individuals possessing over 200 grams of cannabis, which marks a significant cultural and legal barrier that presents a stark contrast to Thailand’s evolving cannabis landscape.
The conversation around potential legalisation gained momentum after Thai Public Health Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, indicated plans to meet with his Malaysian counterpart during an upcoming APEC health ministers’ meeting. This meeting is expected to showcase the outcomes of Thailand’s cannabis programme.
Read more: Thailand becomes first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis
Thailand made significant strides by legalising medicinal cannabis in 2018 and recently became the first nation in Asia to decriminalise the cultivation and consumption of cannabis-infused products.
A Malaysian Ministry of Health official mentioned, “We are developing our own framework for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and we want to learn from Thailand,” highlighting the eagerness to explore new avenues in medical cannabis.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin expressed a positive outlook, welcoming clinical trials for medical cannabis, specifically cannabidiol (CBD). Reports suggest that the Ministry of Health plans to start registering certain CBD products next year while prioritising safety studies, although cultivating cannabis remains a longer-term goal.
Currently, the cultivation and recreational use of cannabis is illegal in Malaysia, with possession of over 200 grams resulting in a mandatory death penalty. Despite this stringent regulation, Health Minister Khairy has confirmed that the import and use of medical cannabis under a doctor’s prescription is permissible, provided products are registered and licensed with the Drug Control Authority.
Thailand’s extraordinary turnaround
In a remarkable shift, Thailand has drastically altered its cannabis policy in recent months. Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has actively championed the cannabis industry for economic recovery, even making public appearances in cannabis-themed apparel, symbolising a bold and vibrant new approach.
With estimates suggesting that the cannabis industry could surpass €3 billion within five years, Anutin is considered the primary advocate for legalising medicinal cannabis in Thailand.
However, this rapid legalisation wave has met some resistance, with several medical professionals advocating for an immediate cessation of recreational cannabis use within the country.
In a press conference in Bangkok, Anutin articulated his ambition to expand the cannabis policy framework to neighbouring Asian countries, stating, “Topics of discussion will be on how to jointly move forward this kind of policy in order to create benefits, economically and medically.”
He further remarked, “We want everyone to recognise the potential of this cannabis plant. The more people are interested in this field, the more development and research it will promote.”