New law in Thailand to allow cannabis research, medical use

Drug Policy Alliance

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New law in Thailand to allow cannabis research, medical use

16 May 2018

By Tanakorn Sangiam

BANGKOK, 13th May 2018 (NNT) – The new draft narcotics law to be proposed to the Cabinet this month will allow the manufacturing, import, distribution, and possession of cannabis for research purpose and medical use, says official.

The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) Secretary-General, Sirinya Sitdhichai, said the development of the move to allow cannabis research and usage for medical purposes in Thailand was a result from years of joint working between the NCB and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). This had led to the drafting of a new narcotic code.

The new narcotic code will give the authority to the Minister of Public Health, under the suggestion of the NCB, to authorize the production, import, distribution, and possession of cannabis for research and for medical use. The law will also give the authority to the NCB to announce areas for cannabis farming for research and for medical use.

The new narcotic law is expected to be purposed to Cabinet meeting for approval within this month.

However, he said, this new narcotic law will not allow any manufacturing or use of cannabis for recreational purposes, making the manufacturing of cannabis by unauthorized person remains illegal and punishable. All procedures of cannabis research and medical use will be performed under strict control of the NCB and the MOPH.