Friday, 28 September 2018

Law reform for medical marijuana

YEUNG KIM LING

I READ with interest the report that Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar is poised to take the issue of medical marijuana law reform to the Cabinet and that a 29-year-old man was sentenced last month to death for handling the substance, “Xavier Jayakumar to push for reform of laws governing medical marijuana” (TheStarOnline, Sept 19).

Cannabis, which is also known as marijuana, is a phsychoactive drug from the cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. The use of cannabis as medicine has not been rigorously tested due to production restrictions and other government regulations.

It may be an effective treatment for many health problems including anxiety, arthritis, insomnia, depression, cancer, nausea, muscle spasms and stress but it is known to have many side effects.

Countries that have legalised the medical use of cannabis include Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Peru and the United Kingdom.

It is a very good move to start the process of legalising medical marijuana now. As we need to brainstorm and study/engage with the right stakeholders, this would be a very lengthy process and may take a few years to realise.

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