The Ministry of Public Health has issued a new edict to tighten controls on the use of cannabis for commercial purposes, research, study and export.
The new edict, which comes into effect today (Saturday), supersedes the one issued on June 16th, which was widely criticized as being too lax and open to abuse.
Under the new edict, only the cannabis flower bud is classified as a controlled herb and whoever wants to conduct research, study, export, sell or process it for commercial purposes must obtain an official permit and comply with the conditions.
Sale of the controlled herb in any form to students, people under 20, pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers is prohibited. Sale through vending machines or for smoking in business premises is banned, unless the sale is by medical practitioners, traditional medicine practitioners or certified rural medics. All forms of advertising for commercial purposes are prohibited.
The controlled herb cannot be sold in public parks, amusement parks, temples, places of worship or hostels.
