Thailand's cabinet approved amendments on Tuesday to its narcotics act to allow private production and sale of cannabis for medical use, officials said
With a tradition of using the leaf to relieve pain and fatigue, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalise cannabis in 2017 for medical use and research, but only the government was allowed to grow plants.
Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul told reporters after a cabinet meeting that the proposed amendments would also allow patients, businesses and medical professionals to produce, export, import and sell the leaf.
"The law will promote the pharmaceutical industry and increase competitiveness, which will be important for Thailand in becoming a leader in medical cannabis," Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also told reporters.
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