How do you like your grass? Eaten, smoked or inhaled? Some may feign innocence, but some of you know what sort of grass we are talking about. The devil’s lettuce, more commonly known as ganja or cannabis (marijuana).
There are clear set rules on the legality of cannabis in Malaysia, no matter for medical or recreational purposes (we know, you know la).
The Malaysian Society of Awareness (MASA) has spoken up and called on the Malaysian government to consider legalising the substance for medical uses, as is being practiced in numerous countries.
“Developing countries like Australia, Uruguay, Turkey, Thailand, India and others agree that cannabis plants are safe after scientific research. However, the Malaysian government still does not recognise its benefits even though other countries have changed their laws," MASA said in a statement today, according to Malaysiakini.
They also added that the government rejected foreign studies about the medical use of cannabis, and have asked for local evidence to even consider the move to legalise the plant.
In line with their movement, MASA launched a national survey a few days ago to find out the opinions of 10,000 Malaysians on cannabis.
Don’t worry, this probably isn’t a ploy to get you to admit that you have been up to no good. MASA has stated that all personal details and answers given will be confidential and relevant data will only be presented to the Health Ministry.
According to Malaysiakini, former MASA president Intan Mustika Putri Mokhtar said that it was extremely difficult for individuals and organisations to conduct cannabis-related studies in Malaysia because the drug is still categorised as a narcotic under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (DDA).
Photo: Malaysiakini
"The ministry has considered medical marijuana being given space for clinical research – not in terms of planting and cultivation, but for the purposes of treatment, medication and health,” Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told Dewan Rakyat on 27th March.
"Decriminalisation is the removal of criminal penalties for possessing and using a small quantity of drugs for personal use, as opposed to those who are involved in the trafficking of drugs. Trafficking of drugs will undoubtedly remain a crime," he added.
Those who are interested in checking out the survey can do so here: https://s.surveyplanet.com/pNdjLfZy.
What are your thoughts on this?
By: Celestine Foo
