The minister was speaking at a convention on hemp products in Nonthaburi province on Monday (August 31).
He said initially cannabis will only be used for medicinal purposes and it will be a controlled substance while the law is being considered.
Once approved, Thais who have medical certificates will be allowed to freely grow marijuana, while farmers can help extract cannabis oil to make cannabis products.
Several studies have revealed that cannabis extracts are not addictive and highly beneficial, and the ministry is making adjustments to the law to help cannabis growers, Anutin added.