Make sure cannabis, ketum processed by govt run labs, says ex-top cop Musa Hassan

SHAH ALAM - Former top cop Tan Sri Musa Hassan said cannabis and ketum for medical purposes must be strictly controlled and used after being processed by a government run laboratory.

He said it is one way to curb misuse of the crop.

“If it is to be approved for medicine, it must be strictly controlled so that these substances, namely cannabis and ketum are not abused.

"If there are other parties who cultivate crops without approval, including laboratories that process without obtaining the recognition of the authorities, the parties involved should be prosecuted," he told Sinar Harian. .

He said anyone who wants to plant it must apply for permission from the ministry involved or the government.

Meanwhile, Musa explained that cannabis was defined as a dangerous drug and the Poisons Act 1952.

"Both of these substances are considered banned because cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which makes one delusional.

Ketum, he said contains mitragynine which is defined as a poison that causes intoxication.

However, he did not rule out the benefits of the two ingredients if it processed the right way.

"It can be used as a medical substance where cannabis can produce oil for high blood pressure (hypertension)," he said, adding that after being used with poisonous content removed, it could be a health supplement.

Parliamentary caucus on medical cannabis has so far said policy issues on the development of the hemp, cannabis, and ketum industry will be raised in the Cabinet. It further said hemp, ketum, and medical cannabis industry are being vastly developed in many countries around the globe, with the industry being valued at RM60 billion.

"Even Thailand is studying to develop their own industry,” it said after a caucus meeting which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob