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THAILAND-HEALTH
Thailand blazes ahead with push to legalise medical marijuana use
BANGKOK, Oct 31, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Thailand is rolling out plans to
legalise medical marijuana, an official told AFP Wednesday, as the country
hopes to cash in on a multi-billion dollar industry with a product its
supporters hail as some of the world’s best.
Several nations have embraced the use of medicinal cannabis, including
Canada, Australia, Israel, and more than half the states in the US.
But Thailand would be the first country in Asia to do so, tapping into a
market that US-based Grand View Research has estimated could reach US$55.8
billion by 2025.
A draft bill to permit its limited use has been sent to the military
junta’s National Legislative Assembly (NLA).
“We have submitted the bill to the speaker,” Jet Sirathraanon, chairman of
the NLA’s standing committee of public health, told AFP, adding that it will
have its first reading in the junta’s rubber-stamp parliament in less than
one month.
The cannabis would be “for medication only, not for recreation,” he added.
Marijuana remains illegal in Thailand, with stiff penalties for drug
trafficking even though the country remains a key regional transit hub and
producer of narcotics.
But the idea of medical marijuana has long been more acceptable to broad
swathes of society in the Buddhist-majority country and junta officials have
previously mooted the need to reform drug laws.
Jet said Thailand has delayed making the change for far too long while
other countries such as Canada and Australia have seized the moment,
including legalising exports. He cited the revenue-generating possibilities
that amending the laws would provide for Thailand as well as the beneficial
effects it could have on patients in pain.
He also praised the quality of the Southeast Asian country’s plants, which
thrive particularly well in the Golden Triangle borderlands of Thailand, Laos
and Myanmar.
“I’m doing this because it’s an opportunity for Thai people,” he said.
“Thailand has the best marijuana in the world.”
Experts agree and see similar potential.
“Today, Thailand can produce awesome cannabis at a fraction of the cost of
Western growers,” said Jim Plamondon, VP of Marketing at the Thai Cannabis
Corporation, described as the country’s first legal marijuana firm.
“Tomorrow, Thailand will reclaim its cultural legacy, by becoming the
world’s leading grower, processor, and manufacturer of cannabis products,” he
said.
“Any company that is serious about cannabis should start moving its supply
chain to Thailand.”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1445 hrs