Draft legislation permitting research into the effects of medicinal cannabis on humans will go to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for passage into law, a senior narcotics official said on Wednesday.
Sophon Mekthon, head of the committee that drafted the law, confirmed the move, but did not give a timeline.
Sirinya Sitdhichai, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), was quoted by the Thai News Agency on Sunday as saying he expected the legislative process to completed this month.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft drawn up by the panel led by the ONCB. The agency works closely with the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO). Dr Sophon is the GPO committee chairman.
The main thrust of the code is to allow research into the effects of cannabis on humans for medical benefit. It does not allow commercial production or recreational use. The ONCB will decide where the trial research will be conducted.
Dr Sophon said a possible area is in the GPO compound on Rama VI Road.