Cabinet Legalizes the Use of Cannabis and Kratom for Treatments

Mr. Phutthipong Punnakan, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, acting as spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that the Cabinet, agreed with the legislation principle of the Narcotic Act which the Ministry of Public Health received from The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) to consider the differences from the draft proposed by the government.

“This law will only unlock relevant sections, for both doctors and patients with limited amounts for availability in the treatment of illnesses. It does not mean that anyone can plant it in the backyard of the house”, Mr. Phuttipong said.

 

Essentially, the law states that it is possible to import or export category 5 drugs (cannabis and kratom) in case of necessity for the benefit of the government with the permission of the licensee, in case of exception for possession of category 5 drugs, with possession limited to not being more than the required amount for the specific treatment, or first aid, or emergency use. Category 5 drugs may be used for the treatment of the disease by the order of the medical personnel, medical practitioner, or for research, the licensee can only distribute Category 5 drugs in designated premises.

 

The law also gives power to the Office of Narcotic Control Board (ONCB) to determine the area for experimentation in the plantation of the plants that produces the Category 5 drug, to produce and test Category 5 drugs in designated areas. The law also allows for the Ministry of Public Health with the approval of the ONCB committee to declare zones where kratom can be consumed without being a legal offense.

“Because the Cabinet has a perception of concern, The Ministry of Public Health will be assigned to closely supervise the implementations for five years, after which it will be revised, “Mr. Phuttipong said.