Cannabis still illegal, drugs boss warns

By Kornkamon Aksorndech 
The Nation

 

 

Possession and distribution of cannabis oil without permission is illegal and people must beware of online invitations to join "lucrative" opportunities, Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) chief Niyom Termsrisuk said on Thursday.

 

Niyom said February’s Narcotics Act allowed the possession and use of cannabis for medical purposes, treatment of patients and research and development but the substance was still a class-five narcotic under Thai law. 

 

It meant that qualified bodies were required to apply for approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Narcotics Control Board to obtain proper licences for medical and research purposes, he said. 

 

Currently only the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine had permission, he added.

 

Niyom said he had assigned the ONCB Region 6 officials to investigate the case in which many sick people went to a temple to collect cannabis oil in capsules. Niyom said it was illegal. 

 

The new law allowed people who had cannabis oil in possession for medical use to report it to their provincial health office within 90 days of the law passing on February 19. 

 

"If people need to use marijuana for medical treatment, they should see a doctor certified by the Department Medical of Service or the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine,” he said. 

 

The ONCB hotline on 1386 or FDA on 1556 offer more details.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30367165

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-04-04

I only hope the Thai gov't is sincere in making an effort to get cannabis in the hands (and bodies) of people who can genuinely benefit from it. Personally, I think it has great ongoing therapeutic value and should be consumed everyday by everyone to maintain good health. 

Drug boss, eh? Thai Narcos? Who does the titles around here, Somchai Escobar?