BANGKOK, Nov 23 (TNA) — The National Legislative Assembly today passed the first reading of a bill to legalize the medical use of marijuana.
A group of 44 assemblymen proposed the bill to amend the existing narcotic law to permit the use of marijuana for medical treatment.
Of the group, NLA member Somchai Sawaengkan said the bill would amend the Narcotics Act BE 2522 to permit the production, import and export of marijuana and kratom for medical purposes and treatment. The Narcotics Control Board would specify areas for marijuana cultivation and use for medical research.
Those to be allowed to possess marijuana would consist of ministries, local administrative organisations, the Thai Red Cross Society, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization and medical professionals who have never been convicted for any narcotic offence. The health minister would give the permission.
Mr Somchai said that surveys found 99% of respondents backed the bill and the NLA should finish its consideration of the bill within 60 days.
The NLA passed the bill in the first reading unanimously with 145 votes and set up a 29-member committee to scrutinise it within 60 days. (TNA)
