Based on reports, Malaysia may be one step closer to legalizing marijuana, medical marijuana.
After Muar MP Syed Saddiq asked the MOH to state the country's position on hemp or medical marijuana use as alternative medicine, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin made an announcement via a written reply (Nov 8), stating that:
"A product containing cannabis to be used for human medical purposes can be imported and used in Malaysia, if the products containing cannabis are made in compliance with legal requirements."
He further noted that based on the laws of the country, the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, the Poisons Act 1952, and the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, cannabis is not prohibited from being used.
"As such, if there are parties who have sufficient scientific evidence to use cannabis (hemp) for any medicinal purpose by taking into account the aspects of quality, safety, and effectiveness, then the application to register cannabis products for medicinal purposes can be submitted to the Drug Control Authority, (DCA) to be evaluated and registered under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulation 1984, in order to be marketed in Malaysia," he wrote.
Impressed by his thorough and speedy reply, MP Syed Saddiq then commended KJ and MOH for progress on the subject.