THE government is currently studying how to legalise the use of medical cannabis, said Hamzah Zainudin.

“The Cabinet Committee on Drugs (JKMB) and several ministries are looking at how to allow the use of medical cannabis and the laws needed to legalise it,” said the home minister in the Dewan Rakyat, replying to points raised by lawmakers debating the 12^th Malaysia Plan today.

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman debating the plan had called on the government to discuss the pros and cons of legalising the use of hemp and medical marijuana in Malaysia. 

The Muda chief said that steps must be taken so Malaysia does not get left behind in the industry, which he asserted could be worth over RM400 billion in the next four years.

“I say this because there are more than 40 countries today where approval for hemp or medical marijuana has been given. The current market is worth about RM60 billion and is expected, within a period of four years, to exceed RM400 billion.”

Among the countries that have approved the use of medical marijuana are Thailand, the US, Australia, Argentina, Canada and Denmark.

The use of cannabis is illegal in Malaysia and is governed by the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – October 5, 2021.