Both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are illegal in Malaysia.
Malaysia has strict laws regarding recreational marijuana, with possession of 50 grams or less punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and possession of 200 grams or more of marijuana is punishable by death if it is considered to be for sale.
Cannabis regulations in Malaysia are very strict, and cannabis, cannabis resin, and cannabis extracts are subject to the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1952. Individuals possessing or cultivating marijuana are subject to penalties according to the amount possessed in accordance with the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Regulations for medical marijuana are a bit more complicated. It is illegal to use medical marijuana, and medical marijuana is allowed under certain laws that apply.
CBD oil and other products are also treated as cannabis and are therefore illegal in Malaysia.
Medical Cannabis in Malaysia
Medical cannabis is currently illegal in Malaysia, but there are some unclear aspects.
Currently, Malaysia has unclear laws regarding medical marijuana, and in November 2021, the Minister of Health stated that the use of marijuana for medical purposes is allowed as long as it complies with the law.
Cannabis-based products used for medical purposes must be registered before they can be manufactured, sold, or imported. The conditions for registration are stipulated under the Medicines and Cosmetics Control Regulations 1984, which were enacted under the Marketing of Medicines Act 1952. It announces that products containing cannabis used for medical purposes can be imported and used in Malaysia if they comply with the law.
With the legalization of marijuana in Thailand in 2022, Malaysia is also seriously considering the legalization of medical marijuana. Malaysia’s Minister of Public Health has stated that if Malaysia legalizes medical marijuana, it will be the second country in Asia to take marijuana off the drug list.
Malaysia is expected to be the next Asian country to legalize marijuana.
Cultivation Regulations
In Malaysia, the cultivation of medical marijuana is permitted, while the cultivation of recreational marijuana is prohibited.
Although medical marijuana is not strictly prohibited in Malaysia, the country is keen to fully legalize medical marijuana and is considering growing marijuana in Malaysia, conducting research, and collecting all data and evidence related to marijuana.
As yet, the general public is not allowed to cultivate marijuana.
CBD is illegal
CBD is illegal in Malaysia.
CBD is regulated as the same drug as cannabis, and the Insurance Minister emphasized that the sale and distribution of CBD oil is illegal and penalties are in place.
The Insurance Minister stressed that the sale and distribution of CBD oil is illegal and punishable.
Will Malaysia legalize cannabis?
Currently in Malaysia, recreational marijuana is strictly regulated, while medical marijuana is not. The current law states that medical marijuana is allowed as long as it is legalized, and Malaysia is considering legalizing medical marijuana in earnest, influenced by the legalization of marijuana in Thailand in 2022. While recreational marijuana will continue to be regulated, once medical marijuana is legalized, it is likely that CBD products and other products will also begin to be legalized in Malaysia.
Conclusion
We have introduced the cannabis situation in Malaysia.
As of 2023, both recreational marijuana and medical marijuana are illegal in Malaysia. CBD is treated like marijuana and is subject to penalties for distribution.
Malaysia has shown a positive attitude toward the full-fledged legalization of medical marijuana and may possibly become the second country after Thailand to legalize marijuana.