Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has emphasized that the authorities would continue to develop and liberalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

He stated that cannabis liberalization for medical use is not only the policy of the Ministry of Public Health but also an urgent issue in the national agenda of the Government.

Speaking after his recent discussions with senior officials at the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Anutin stressed that, in this policy, cannabis must be used for medical benefits only. Concerning the parts that are not beneficial, they must be strictly controlled.

He cited cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as two natural compounds found in cannabis plants that provide medical benefits. Their benefits might lead to moves to unlock the growing of cannabis by the people.

Apart from its fibers, other parts of cannabis can also be made use of. In this regard, he said, the Food and Drug Administration has been urged to present this issue to the National Narcotics Control Board for consideration.

As for cannabis byproducts, he said, they could be used as herbal ingredients for household use in food preparation. Steps will be taken to allow public health volunteers to plant cannabis at home for access to health benefits. But the people would not be allowed to trade cannabis for business purposes. Moreover, bringing cannabis out of their premises would still remain illegal.