August 16, 2022
BANGKOK – Malaysia is considering legalising cannabis and kratom for medical use, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Monday.
He made the remark after a discussion with Malaysia’s ambassador to Thailand, Jojie Samuel, on the issue at the Public Health Ministry in Nonthaburi province.
The discussion is considered a preparation to welcome Malaysia’s health minister who will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Thailand of ministers responsible for health.
Anutin said Thailand and Malaysia have studied and exchanged knowledge about the two herbs so far. He added that Malaysia is studying its laws to legalise cannabis.
“If Malaysia announces cannabis legalisation for medical use, it will be the second Asian country to remove cannabis from the narcotics list,” he said.
He reiterated that Thailand’s cannabis legalisation had not been a burden on anyone, arguing that the ministry has laws related to cannabis use in public areas.
He added that a parliamentary commission would finish consideration of the cannabis usage draft act this week.
He also thanked Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt for informing them about the problem of cannabis smoke in public areas.
“We have worked with related government agencies to investigate the issue,” he added.