Malaysia Races in Asia’s Medical Marijuana Legalization

Malaysia is the third nation in the Southeast Asian region, were in the race for marijuana legalization has begun. Thailand advanced to take the lead in the race for legalized medical marijuana a few months ago. The National Anti-Drugs Agency director, general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah, said there was a provision in the law that permits the cultivation of marijuana with particular restrictions or approval.

Cannabis seeds can be grown for medicinal purposes and research, with approval from the Minister of Health. "If there is enough information to show it is safe and effective for use for certain conditions, then the ministry will be able to consider based on the particular indication," - Deputy Health Minister Dr. Lee Boon Chye. Find out more about how Malaysia races in Asia’s medical marijuana legalization.

Malaysia's Stance on Medical Marijuana Legalization

Under Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952, people caught possessing 200 grams or more of marijuana can be charged under drug trafficking, which holds a mandatory death penalty. The current punishment and sentencing had also prompted Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, to request a revision of the present drug laws. The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952 expressively limits the possession, sale, use, importation, and exportation of opium, cocaine and marijuana substances. However, there is procurement in the act that permits the use of these substances for medicinal purposes with permission."

These plants cannot be cultivated or scattered over because they are drugs. Therefore, we need to have control over them. Some countries have already had such activities. Perhaps one day, when Malaysia has these freedoms, we can become a legal exporter of cannabis. That's why it's vital that, if cannabis is really a drug, the Health Ministry verifies it because they have the authority to do so," Lately, remarks to make medical marijuana legal have been discussed in the public - a positive sign, showing how Malaysia races in Asia’s medical marijuana legalization. Although, many still hold a firm stance against the marijuana plant. In fact, marijuana was one of the factors which led Malaysia to abolish its death penalty a few months ago following turmoil over the death sentence given to a man found guilty of trading cannabis oil for medical purposes.

History of Cannabis in Malaysia

Cannabis use among the native cultures of South-East Asia, including Malaysia, is likely to have survived for centuries. There is a