Malaysia: Ministry of Health authorizes medical cannabis

The Malaysian Ministry of Health has acknowledged the possibility of using cannabis for medical purposes in Malaysia.

Existing laws regulating cannabis and its byproducts in Malaysia, including the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952, the Poisons Act of 1952, and the Sale of Drugs Act of 1952, do not prohibit the use of cannabis for medical purposes. A product containing cannabis and used for human medicinal purposes may therefore be imported and consumed in Malaysia if it complies with the requirements of the law.

On November 8, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman asked the Ministry of Health to clarify Malaysia’s position on the use of medical cannabis as an alternative that could be offered to patients. Syed Saddiq noted that cannabis is used in many countries abroad and recognized by the international medical community.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, products containing cannabis must be registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA), as required by the 1984 Medicines and Cosmetics Control Regulations, under the Medicines Sales Act.

The product must be imported by importers who hold a license and an import permit under the Drug and Cosmetic Control Regulations, the Poisons Act, and the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Similarly, the wholesale distribution of cannabis products must be carried out by retailers who hold a license under the same regulations and laws.

The sale or retail distribution of cannabis-containing products for the medical treatment of a patient must be carried out by a physician licensed under the Medical Act of 1971.

Licensed pharmacists who hold a Type A license may also sell or dispense cannabis-based products to certain individuals based on prescriptions issued by licensed physicians.

«Therefore, if certain parties have sufficient scientific evidence to support the use of cannabis for medical purposes, taking into account quality, safety, and efficacy, an application for the registration of cannabis products for therapeutic purposes may be submitted to the DCA for evaluation and registration under the Medicines and Cosmetics Control Regulations 1984 in order to be marketed in Malaysia,», indicated Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in a written response to Parliament addressed to Syed Saddiq on November 8.