Thai law on category II narcotics loosens up, allows sale and possession for research

Thai laws on category II narcotics like cocaine, morphine and opium are loosening up. A new regulation by the Public Health Ministry allows the sale and possession of category II narcotics under certain circumstances such as research.

Drugs classified as category II in Thailand’s Narcotics Act include morphine, cocaine, ketamine, codeine, opium, medicinal opium and methadone. Under the new regulation, those who are approved by the government will be able to sell category II narcotics for medical treatment or disease prevention for patients or animals, medical or scientific research, or for government purposes.

The government will grant permission to possess category II narcotics for specific purposes such as for research, education or for government matters. Category II drugs can be used to manufacture medicinal formulas like cough medicine. The narcotics can also be used for first aid or in case of emergency in public transport ships or airplanes, according to Nation Thailand.

The regulation was published in the Royal Gazette on Monday and will go into effect in 240 days.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

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