Medical marijuana approved in Thailand

Photo: South China Morning Post

“This is a New Year’s gift from the National Legislative Assembly to the government and the Thai people,” Somchai Sawangkarn, said chairman of the drafting committee.

Thailand will be the first country, in a region with some of the strictest drug laws, to approve cannabis for medical use. In an extra-parliamentary session addressing bills before new year, the government amended the Narcotic Act 1979.

There is currently controversy in Thailand over patents being requested by foreigners firms which could potentially allow them to dominate the market. This would make it harder for Thai researchers to access marijuana extracts, and for the Thai patients themselves to have a harder time accessing the medicines needed.

Even though countries from Canada to Columbia have legalised marijuana, or have approved its medical use, across much of Southeast Asia its remains illegal including severe penalties if you get caught in possession.

SOURCE: The Telegraph