Medical use of cannabis requires in-depth study: PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Issues related to approving the use of cannabis for medical purposes in the country require in-depth research and discussion, including with regard to controlling the use of the substance, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said this takes into account the number of drug addicts among young people, including in rural areas, which is increasing and now reaches hundreds of thousands.

“Be patient, we need to look at this very carefully, we need to remember that once we legalize (cannabis) for valid reasons such as medicinal uses and necessity, scrutiny could prove difficult… I’m not saying I do I have an uncompromising view on this matter, but I have suggested that we bring this up for discussion and study the implications.

“For those who support or disapprove, let’s have an overview of the implications and then decide whether to legalize some parts or allow them fully or continue with what we are practicing now,” he said when answering a question from the Saal answered the Meet Anwar Youth Dialogue today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.

Anwar said Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, director of the Federal Narcotics Crime Bureau, also gave him an overview of the serious issues being addressed regarding the issue of drug abuse in the current situation.

Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country to allow the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

Last August, during a working visit to Thailand, then-Health Minister Khayry Jamaluddin said the government would take a stand on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, in addition to looking at the related legal framework.

Meanwhile, when asked if there were any plans to review Touch ‘n Go’s monopoly in the road and transportation system, Anwar said the matter could be considered.

“Touch ‘n Go has been in operation for more than two decades, (but) there have been no developments or advancements in the system… I think you’re right, we need to reconsider,” he said.

Organized by the Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC), the dialogue was moderated by celebrity Amelia Henderson and over 5,000 young people took part, who took the opportunity to put questions to the Prime Minister on a range of subjects. -Bernama