Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (second, right) and Thai’s Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul (right) looking at cannabis plants and products at the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) Thanyaburi Branch in Pathum Thani, Thailand, today. - BERNAMA pic
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (second, right) and Thai’s Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul (right) looking at cannabis plants and products at the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) Thanyaburi Branch in Pathum Thani, Thailand, today. - BERNAMA pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin says the government will not allow recreational use of cannabis in Malaysia.

Khairy, who is currently on a working visit to Thailand to assess the potential use of cannabis and ketum for medical purposes and the legal framework for its medical use, said this via his Instagram story.

"With my friend, Deputy PM and Health Minister Khun Anutin. They have allowed cannabis for medical use. I am here in Bangkok to understand better the clinical evidence and regulatory framework.

"If the evidence gathered shows that cannabis is safe and efficacious for medical use, we will draw up a robust regulatory framework and clinical practice. Rest assured, recreational use is not being considered," he said.

Khairy visited Siam Cannabis Land or Legend Siam, a 142ha cannabis city project which focuses on developing comprehensive health products and medical services in Pattaya.

Legend Siam houses cannabis nurseries, a cannabis museum and the Institute of Cannabis Sciences.

Last month, Khairy said his ministry would soon announce a framework, enabling certain cannabidiol products to be registered by next year.