The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine on Monday introduced the legal use of cannabis to the public as many parts of the plant are not considered as narcotics.
The department on Monday launched a two-day event to inform general people of various uses of cannabis at the Museum of Public Health and Medicine in the compound of the Public Health Ministry.
Opening the event, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said a new regulation of the Public Health Ministry that took effect on Dec 15 excludes parts of the cannabis plant from the government’s narcotics laws and people are free to use them.
Cannabis leaves, branches and roots could be used to make medicine, health products, food, herbal products and cosmetics, he said. Cannabis bark, stems and fibre could be used in the manufacture of textiles, automobiles and paper.
Only cannabis flowers and seeds remain classified as narcotics.
The parts of cannabis plants allowed for legal purposes must come from authorised local producers, Mr Sathit said.
Cannabis-based products can be produced and used in households, he said. Commercial products are subject to relevant regulations.
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