Our nation could potentially be the world’s largest producer of ganja, according to this assemblyman!
According to the Malay Mail, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) Jeram assemblyman, Mohd Shaid Rosli said that Selangor could one day become the world’s biggest producer of marijuana.
He proposed to the Selangor state assembly saying that the state has the potential to undertake this venture. The reason is that since Kuala Selangor has been designated as an agricultural cluster, his constituency could be the centre of ganja production for medical research and export purposes.
The assemblyman also referenced the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which reportedly states that any government department is permitted to grow marijuana if it is solely for medical purposes. He was quoted as saying,
“Let me give you an example. You can get RM3,000 an acre per year for palm oil. Ganja brings in RM9 million a year, one acre with three harvests can get you RM9 million a year.”
“If Selangor can produce ganja across more than 100 acres, we will be the world’s biggest ganja producer. This can put Selangor on the world map and make us famous.” Members of the House then broke into laughter in response to this.
Mohd Shaid added that a study on the drug was recently conducted by the National Poison Centre’s Director Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Isa Abd Majid, who agreed to cooperate with a local company to plant ganja for medical research and export purposes.
The assemblyman also pointed out that since Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad is the Health Minister and also the MP of Kuala Selangor, the state government should give cooperation for the medical research ganja farm if it receives Putrajaya’s approval.
However, Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad opposed the idea as enforcement could be difficult. He was quoted as saying,
“Historically, ganja was used as a medicine but it has been abused, just like opium and morphine. These are dangerous drugs that must be controlled. Even simple medication classified by the Health Ministry is difficult to control.”
“I’m a doctor, I know this problem regarding controlled medicine. We need better enforcement.”
Cultivating marijuana plantations should adhere to tight security measures as compared to other plantations in the country, Mohd Shaid also explained, adding that Selangor can refer to other marijuana-producing countries such as Canada and the United States for guidance. In these countries, planes are not even allowed to fly through the airspace of a ganja production facility.
“This plant is not like palm oil. It’s a specific plant and it needs tight security. I’m not just talking about on the ground but also airborne security like the facilities in the US and Canada. We should use the same system,” he continued.
What do you think of this proposal? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
Also read: Malaysians Can Grow Their Own Marijuana with Permission from MOH