Thailand promotes marijuana as a new economic plant

Thailand wants to promote 'hemp' (cannabis species) as a new economic plant, with support for the implementation of research on the plant-based health products.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul,

said this while chairing a workshop on the promotion of hemp cultivation and processing into health products.

In his special speech on 'hemp' as an economic plant, he was confident it could promote and generate the Thai economy.

"The government has issued a notice to exclude hemp extract and some parts of the plant from the narcotic list.

"This is to enable it to be used as an ingredient in medicine, herbal products, food items and cosmetics," he said.

The workshop was held by the Ministry of Public Health to foster an understanding of the rules that will be enforced later regarding the promotion of hemp cultivation and processing.

The ministry also announced that the manufacture, import, export, sale and ownership of 'hemp' whether at the household or industrial level is now allowed.

He said it aims to promote competition and generate more income for farmers and the country by making the crop a commercial commodity.

According to the ministry, almost all parts of the hemp plant can be used, while the climate and environment in Thailand are suitable for planting the plant.

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_{SOURCE: BH}

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