Need for tight control over medicinal cannabis
SHAH ALAM - The use of cannabis as a treatment for any medical condition must be in line with strict laws and properly implemented by the Health Ministry.
Medical expert Dr Abu Hasan Samad said authorities have to clearly justify the purposes of cannabis in medicine, the type of illnesses (that medical cannabis help treat), description of the treatment and patients who are eligible to receive the treatment.
"It has its advantages if we can control how it is consumed. The question now is, how can we do that?
"Many often abuse cannabis as it could be cultivated at home and grow easily. It could even be cultivated at the backyard or planted in a pot.
"If this could be implemented under tight control, it could be done in Malaysia.
"But if we are not ready, I am afraid that its abuse would be much worse.
"Thorough research should be done by the ministry or the relevant community. It is true that there are advantages, but we have to consider the pros and cons and whether it has more benefits compared to its downside," he told Sinar Harian on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob responded positively on the use of cannabis for medical purposes and would discuss this further in the Cabinet meeting.
This follows an official meeting held by the Medical Cannabis Caucus with Ismail Sabri to discuss issues on hemp industry, medical cannabis and ketum for use in Malaysia.
Commenting further, Abu Hasan who is also the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Malaysia (AOEMM) president said cannabis has been widely used in treatments for peripheral neuropathy and muscle disorders or help those with inability to focus.
"Generally, cannabis could improve one's well-being. It would help provide relief for tiredness or loss of appetite.
"At the same time, it is used in treatments for chronic illnesses like cancer or Aids, but it is not a cure for such diseases. Instead, the use of cannabis can help with appetite stimulation and reduction of pain," he said.
