Thailand approves new law to unlock medical cannabis industry

The Nation/Asia News Network

BANGKOK — The Thai Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Narcotic Act allowing registered patients, Thai traditional medicine businesses, and farmers to access medical cannabis, Government Spokesperson Narumon Pinyosinwat said.

They will receive certificates to produce, export, import, sell and possess marijuana to develop medical knowledge in collaboration with the government.

The new law also hands responsibility for seized marijuana to the Public Health Ministry, which can destroy or preserve the confiscated drug as it sees fit.

The draft will be scrutinized by the Council of State and a House committee before being presented to the House.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the new law has been screened by the Narcotics Commission and all relevant sectors and would unlock the full potential of medical cannabis.

Under the new act, drug manufacturers will also be able to export more cannabis-derived medicines, increasing Thailand’s competitiveness in the market and boosting development to benefit the public.