We will first consider the advantages and disadvantages (of medicinal cannabis). At this moment, a study has shown that the advantage to health and economy is extraordinary while the disadvantage is small.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The House of Representatives (DPR) will seek people’s views on a proposal for allowing the medicinal use of cannabis before it revises the narcotics law.

"We will first consider the advantages and disadvantages (of medicinal cannabis). At this moment, a study has shown that the advantage to health and economy is extraordinary while the disadvantage is small," Deputy Chairman of DPR's Commission III Desmond J. Mahesa said here Tuesday.

Therefore, Commission III will hold a hearing on Thursday (June 30, 2022) to seek public views on the use of cannabis for medical purposes, he informed.

During the hearing, Commission III will also hear health experts' views to see whether the medicinal use of cannabis is dangerous from a health standpoint, he said.

"Then what is its impact on the economy? Let us not hold something whose advantage is greater than disadvantage. That is what we need to study," he added.

The Netherlands and Thailand have legalized the medical use of cannabis. Therefore, the health and economic benefits of cannabis will be the focus of DPR Commission III's notes on the revision of the narcotics law, he said.

Related news: DPR pushes discussing medicinal cannabis use in narcotics law revision

DPR deputy chairman Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has called for a comprehensive study in response to a public proposal for allowing the medical use of cannabis in Indonesia.

"A comprehensive study and involvement of all parties are needed to decide whether medical cannabis can be applied in Indonesia," he said on Tuesday.

Ahmad said he realized that people have high aspirations for the medical use of cannabis, particularly in reference to global developments on the issue.

However, he noted that Indonesian law does not allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Related news: Lampung police seize 69 kg of marijuana, arrest three suspects





Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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