CULTIVATING hemp, a type of herbal plant from the Cannabis sativa species, is allowed for industrial research, said Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The minister referred to Section 6B(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, where the health minister has the authority to allow the cultivation of hemp for the production of fibre and seeds solely for non-commercial purposes.

“However, the implementation date has not yet been decided. It depends on the discussions with the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources,” he told reporters after launching the 18th Annual Scientific Congress of Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology 2019 in Putrajaya today.

Dzulkefly stressed cultivating cannabis for other means, including medicinal, was still prohibited.

“The permission to plant hemp does not involve cultivation of cannabis. I hope the public is not confused,” he said, adding that the planting of hemp was allowed as its fibre could be used in making cosmetics.

According to media reports, the marijuana content in hemp is very low compared to its potential in various industries including textiles.

Meanwhile, senior director of the Pharmaceutical Services Programme in the Health Ministry Dr Ramli Zainal said there were many procedures to be drawn up following the consent given for the cultivation of hemp.

“This includes who can import it, who can plant it, what kind of land is suitable, how many layers and the height of the fence,” he said, adding that the Health Ministry would draw up guidelines. – Bernama, November 6, 2019.