Talks to be held with health ministry on medicinal potential of cannabis, says DPM

The plantation industries and commodities ministry is looking at the medicinal potential of cannabis and ketum plants, says Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also the plantations and commodities minister, said discussions would be held between his ministry and the health ministry on the methods of controlled cultivation and production of cannabis and ketum, if they are allowed to be grown for medicinal purposes.

He said he had also received presentations on the potential of the plants by several industry players and associations related to cannabis and hemp (kenaf).

"We see the US, the Netherlands and now, even Thailand, being active in the industry. 

"But in Malaysia, because the substances are controlled items, we have to discuss with the health ministry on how we can grow, process and sell the products in a controlled manner," he said at a press conference in Kota Bharu yesterday.