THAILAND’S LEGISLATURE APPROVED MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

Thailand’s legislature has become the first in Southeast Asia to pass an amendment to legalize medicinal cannabis.

The kingdom’s National Legislative Assembly approved the change on Tuesday, amending the narcotics law to approve the production, possession, use, import and export of marijuana and kratom (an indigenous plant used in traditional practices) for medicinal purposes, The Bangkok Post reported. Individuals who obtain prescriptions from medical, dental and alternative medicine professionals will be allowed to legally possess and use the plants after the amendment is published in the Government Gazette.

Additionally, the law change allows for research and development of cannabis, as well as for agriculture, commerce, science and industry. However, violators who use, grow or sell marijuana illegally will face significant penalties of five to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 1 million baht ($30,692).