BANGKOK, April 8 (TNA) — The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has explained its raid at a foundation that grew marijuana for research, saying marijuana cultivation needs authorization from the government.
Niyom Termsrisuk, secretary-general of the board, said the raid responded to online reports that marijuana extract was distributed to ill people at Buddhist temples in Phichit and Lop Buri provinces. Officials found that the extract was supplied by the foundation in Suphan Buri province.
In the raid at the foundation, officials found 200 marijuana plants, about 20 liters of marijuana extract, about 500 grams of marijuana powder and 1.8 kilograms of marijuana seeds. A suspect was arrested and charged with marijuana production and possession without authorization.
General people were still prohibited from growing marijuana without permission and their marijuana possession was illegal until they sought pardon, Mr Niyom said. Requests for pardon must be filed within May 19.
Asked if the legal action was in favor of any business party, he said that in the first five years of imposing a new marijuana-related law, only government organizations and their partners were allowed to produce, import and export marijuana. (TNA)
