cannabis

Cannabis has long been the world's most widely used drug and that use is increasing while the cannabis on the market is getting stronger in terms of its tetrahydrocannabinol content, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says.

This follows the chemical report obtained by the prosecution confirming that the plants in question were cannabis.

Thailand has become the first Asian country to legalise the growing and private consumption of marijuana, a move authorities say will boost agriculture by giving farmers a valuable new cash crop.

At least one person has died and several were hospitalised this week after consuming or smoking marijuana.

Thailand has long been known for its tough drug laws, but the government has steadily liberalised them in recent years and the plant came off the banned narcotics list, decriminalising cultivation and possession.

According to Thailand's corrections department, 3,000 people have been freed from prison after being held on cannabis-related crimes since the law changed this week.

The government, banking on the plant as a cash crop, plans to give away a million plants to encourage farmers to take up its cultivation.

Zainal Abidin Alias and Mohamed Rizal face whipping and life imprisonment if found guilty.

The charge was framed under Section 39B (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which carries the mandatory death sentence.

The cannabis plantation is said to be the biggest in the country so far.

The health minister says there have been no submissions for a clinical study or trial despite expressions of interest, talk and social media advocacy.

He was charged in two separate courts today.