FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Thai narcotics control board may allow marijuana cultivation for medical use

Thai narcotics control board may allow marijuana cultivation for medical use

THE OFFICE of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has hinted at the possibility of allowing people to grow marijuana for medical use.

“Three years from now, we may consider granting people such permission,” ONCB secretary-general Sirinya Sitdhichai said yesterday. 
Earlier this week, the proposed amendment to the narcotics law got the nod from the Cabinet. The proposal aims to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
“Marijuana can be useful for medical research,” Sirinya said. 
He said researchers from Rangsit and Mahidol universities have already presented proposals seeking permission to grow marijuana for medical research on cancer therapies and pain alleviation. 
At present, several countries have legalised marijuana for medical use to treat people suffering neurological conditions, terminal cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
“While we will allow the growing of marijuana and its use for medical purposes, we will control such activities,” he said. “We will not allow marijuana use for entertainment purposes.”
He said his office had the authority to decide where marijuana could be planted.
International Narcotics Control Board chairman Viroj Sumyai said the United Nations had not banned the medical use of marijuana extracts.
“Marijuana is not completely banned. The government may use it for medical research and implement proper control measures for marijuana farms,” he said.
 

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