GOPENG: A thorough study needs to be conducted before cannabis (ganja) cultivation in Selangor for medical and export purposes is given the green light.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the study must be carried out by related ministries such as Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Home, Health and Primary Industries, as well as state authorities.
“Ganja is classified under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, but this doesn’t mean we can’t use it for medical purposes,” he told a press conference after opening a debate competition at Poi Lam High School, here, today.
“There are other drugs under the same act such as pethidine and morphine, which are used by hospitals and clinics.”
Dr Lee was commenting on a proposal put forward by Jeram assemblyman Mohd Shaid Rosli at the Selangor State Assembly on Thursday.
Shaid said Selangor could become the world’s biggest ganja producer.
Shaid said the state had great potential because Kuala Selangor had been designated as an agricultural cluster and could become the centre for ganja production for medical research and export purposes.
Dr Lee said the ministry was carrying out research on hemp, a member of the cannabis sativa family, to use its fibre and edible seeds for agricultural and industrial purposes.
“Hemp contains less ganja and we are studying whether this plan could be developed for agriculture.
“This is also under the purview of the ministry since it contains ganja. “Hemp can be used for industrial purposes as it can be used to produce ropes and clothing,” he added.