In Asia, marijuana has been illegal for a long time, and the region has long been known for having the most stringent drug laws in the world. However, the situation is changing, and the atmosphere of legalization of cannabis in various countries in Asia is slowly growing. Cannabis Catalysts predicts that if Southeast Asian countries continue to adopt medicinal cannabis, the entire medical cannabis market may actually be worth as much as US$312 million.
Hong Kong opened the first CBD coffee shop
Hong Kong's drug zero tolerance policy has changed significantly. Local law stipulates that although CBD is a cannabinoid, it is not classified as a dangerous drug.
A CBD coffee shop just opened in the Sheung Wan district of Hong Kong. This is the first in the region. The cafe called Found is allowed to provide customers with CBD-infused food and beverages, including coffee, juice, biscuits, and even beer.
"Hong Kong is actually one of the most advanced cannabinoid markets in Asia," explained Fiachra Mullen, co-owner of cannabinoid supplier Altum International. He explained that as long as there is no THC in the cannabinoid, they can freely add it to food and sell it in Found.
Thailand continues the medical cannabis revolution
Thailand has recently explored the legalization of medical marijuana. A law issued last year was their first step towards legalization.
Eligible patients will receive a certificate issued by the government and they can take medicine with them. Thailand is already issuing certificates to private companies; the new law will also allow foreign entities to participate in the cannabis business as long as they do not account for more than one-third of the cannabis business. Foreign travelers can also purchase licenses to export or import cannabis drugs.
Last month, the Cabinet approved a proposal issued by the Ministry of Public Health to allow farmers, medical patients and health professionals to grow and even export medicinal cannabis. If passed, the law will also allow the Ministry of Public Health to use confiscated marijuana for medical purposes. Currently, the draft law is still awaiting a vote in Parliament.
Indonesia takes a step back: deletes marijuana's medicinal plant title
Earlier this year, the Indonesian government announced the decree that hemp as a medicinal plant, but last month, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture changed. Cannabis is still illegal in Indonesia, and it seems that legalization will not happen soon.
"Hemp is included in the list of medicinal plants, which means that it can only be used for research. This is stipulated in Article 67 of Law No. 13/200 on Horticulture. Currently, there are no records of legal cannabis growers in Indonesia." said Tommy Nugraha, head of the Department of Medicinal Plants.
Therefore, the current situation of cannabis still refers to the "2009 Narcotics Act": cannabis is a category 1 drug, which belongs to the same category as cocaine and opium, and is prohibited for medical and recreational purposes.
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