If you’re looking to venture into a new research idea then you might want to consider cultivating the cannabis plant. To be more exact, you can think of cultivating hemp, which is part of the Cannabis sativa species. This is allowed by the Health Ministry under Section 6B(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, provided that you do it for industrial research.
According to Sinar Harian, the Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that they have the authority to allow people to plant hemp for the production of fibre and seeds but only for non-commercial purposes. He added that they are currently waiting for proposals from the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources and Ministry of Agriculture and Agro‑based Industry as well.
He said that the Health Ministry can give permission to civil servants to cultivate hemp for research purposes but it depends on the research done by the other ministries involved and the other guidelines as well. He added that they need to be very careful with this because they were afraid that there will be irresponsible parties who would abuse this privilege.
“We are aware that many people are excited about this new opportunity and we don’t want to be an obstacle. We are trying to find ways to make it easier and are discussing this in the Cabinet meetings,” he said.
However, this cultivation of that particular strain of cannabis plant is for non-medical purposes yeah!
In Section 6B (2), it states that ministers can allow public officers to plant or cultivate any plant, from which raw opium, coca leaves, poppy-straw or cannabis may be obtained either directly or indirectly in places and on such terms and conditions as may be specified in such authorisation for research, educational, experimental or medical purposes.
Meanwhile, it is said that hemp is derived from that particular cannabis plant and its fibres can be used in the cosmetic and food industry. This is not the first time this discussion has been brought up and we hope to see positive changes soon!
Take note, guys, they aren’t encouraging us to blaze up but instead, it’s for research purposes okay?
Also read: Thailand Proposes Law Allowing Households To Plant Up To 6 Marijuana Plants for Research