Marijuana was used as traditional medicine until it was banned in 1930’s
Thailand’s junta-appointed parliament voted to amend the Narcotic Act of 1979, an extra session had been arranged to push through outstanding bills prior to the New Year holidays.
The amendment will become law once it has been published in the government gazette.
The key part of the new drug law is to remove marijuana and kratom from the Type 5 narcotics classification under the Narcotics Act, so that they can be used for medical and research purposes.
“This is a New Year’s gift from the National Legislative Assembly to the government and the Thai people,” said Somchai Sawangkarn, chairman of the drafting committee, during the televised session.
Parties eligible to seek permission to produce, import, export, take possession of or distribute these two plants include state agencies conducting medical research or offering studies on medicine, pharmaceutical science, science and agricultural science, according to the law.
Medical professionals, pharmacists, dentists and practitioners of traditional Thai medicine will also be eligible to apply for the permission to handle marijuana and kratom.
Marijuana was used as traditional medicine until it was banned in 1930’s, Thailand is the first region in South East Asia to allow medical marijuana although the recreational use will remain illegal.
Consumers will be able to carry specified amounts necessary for medicinal purposes, if they have a prescription or recognised certificate, the Bangkok Post said.
Licences for production and sale of the product will be strictly controlled.
Source – Bangkok Post
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