Marijuana is a drug that has been used all over the world for hundreds of years. While it is more widely known for its recreational use, this drug also has a wide range of medical benefits that are still being studied.
Now, with the increasing awareness about the medical benefits of marijuana, it looks like the present government is also taking steps to decriminalise its use!
Source: USA Today
According to The Star, PKR incumbent vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar has stated that they are currently working on a law to decriminalise the use of medical marijuana in Malaysia, but it could take a while before it is officially presented in Parliament. She was quoted as saying,
“I’m working on a particular bill and I’ll bring it up because it’s quite crucial. We also want to focus on the fact that it has medicinal effects.”
Source: Berita Daily
This rising interest in decriminalising marijuana started when 29-year-old Muhammad Lukman was initially sentenced to death for processing, possessing, and distributing marijuana oil. However, activists and government officials alike condemned his sentence, as he was distributing the drugs as medication for sick people who sought alternative treatment. A petition was even created for the sentence to be overturned, garnering over 69,000 signatures.
In light of the public outrage over this case, the Cabinet has since agreed to place a moratorium on Lukman’s sentence.
According to various studies, marijuana has a number of medical benefits. It can be used for pain relief and alleviating adverse symptoms of chemotherapy like nausea. Early evidence also suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a substance present in marijuana, can help control seizures in people suffering from epilepsy too.
What are your thoughts on this proposed law? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Malaysia Could Be First Country in Asia to Legalise Medical Marijuana
