Malaysia aims to learn from Thailand in push for medical use of cannabis

KhaiBut Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has said the import and use of medical marijuana under a doctor's prescription is permissible if it is registered and licensed with the Drug Control Authority. In April, Khairy said the government welcomed clinical studies for the medical use of cannabidiol, a chemical in cannabis that does not impart a "high" to users.

KUALA LUMPUR/BANGKOK: Malaysia plans to learn from the cannabis policy of neighbouring Thailand in its effort to legalise use of the drug for medical purposes, a health ministry official said on Wednesday, in a country where possession can bring the death penalty now.

The comments came after the Thai health minister said he would meet his Malaysian counterpart during a meeting of APEC health ministers next week where Thailand will showcase its work in legalising medicinal marijuana.