PETALING JAYA: Proper control of cannabis planting and its usage is a must should the government decide to legalise the plant for medical use, former top cops say.
This comes even as neighbouring Thailand has decriminalised cannabis from its banned narcotics list, with people now being allowed to grow the plant at home and sell the crop, as well as consume it in food and drinks.
However, smoking cannabis is still against the law in Thailand.
Former inspector-general of police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said the government should strengthen the management and regulation of cannabis cultivation if the plant’s medicinal values were proven.
He, however, warned about the impact of uncontrolled use and cannabis cultivation on the community health level, especially on the possibility of children being exposed to drugs at a tender age, as well as national security.
“If we fail to control usage and planting activities, it will badly affect our health level and national security. So far, none of the countries (that legalised cannabis) have managed to control it perfectly.
“My concern is that people might replace ulam raja with cannabis leaves,” he said.
Another former IGP, Tan Sri Musa Hassan, said it is not a wise idea to give blanket approval to cannabis planting, even for medicinal purposes.
“Strict regulations must be put into place if we are to allow it because, without control, it would lead to abuse and illegal usage of cannabis plants,” he said.
Musa said those interested in planting cannabis should first seek approval from the government, adding that planting facilities should be equipped with adequate security to ensure the plants would not be stolen for illegal use or trafficking.
He added that it would be a cause for concern for Malaysia if Thailand’s cannabis-planting activities are not controlled as it allows room for illicit activities such as the smuggling of cannabis across the border.
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