KUALA LUMPUR – Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman claims scores of Malaysians have no choice but to commit a crime by purchasing cannabis substances to treat illnesses, due to the nation’s strict drug laws.
The former youth and sports minister said that he has met hundreds of parents in Malaysia with epileptic children who have to purchase cannabidiol (CBD) oil illegally to treat their kids.
Similarly, Syed Saddiq said, there are parents with epileptic children who are aware of CBD oil but are not able to do anything to stay within the ambit of the law.
CBD is one of the two most prevalent active ingredients in cannabis.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a CBD drug called Epidolex to treat epilepsy disorders.
“So, these parents are torn between two choices, where they have to either do something illegal to help their children or do nothing,” Syed Saddiq told The Vibes.
Earlier yesterday on Facebook, Syed Saddiq had announced the formation of a bipartisan medical marijuana caucus.
The purpose of the caucus is to study the use of medical marijuana and ketum.
The caucus features MPs from Muda, Umno, PAS, Warisan, Pakatan Harapan and GPS, as well as independent parliamentarians.
“My job as the head of the caucus is to research and come up with proposals to the government via a bipartisan committee on medical marijuana and ketum,” Syed Saddiq said.
Explaining further, the Muar MP said that his belief in the legalisation of medical marijuana is based on the fact it results in harm reduction.
According to Harm Reduction International, “harm reduction” refers to policies, programmes and practices that aim to minimise negative health, social and legal impact associated with drug use, policies and laws.
“When you can control the black market, you can ensure the right quality.
“There is a possibility to balance CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol content in the products so that you get the true impact that you want,” Syed Saddiq added.
Additionally, he said, discourse on the matter should be guided by both data and science to destigmatise medical cannabis.
His recent experience in the Dewan Rakyat showed that the conversation on medical cannabis did not receive backlash which could encourage other parliamentarians to join in on the conversation.
“It’s a step-by-step process,” Syed Saddiq said.
On a related matter, Syed Saddiq said he also supports the decriminalisation of drug addiction.
He pointed towards Portugal, a country famous for the decriminalisation of drug use in order to pursue a public health approach on the matter.
“There have been many precedents set. Countries that decriminalise drug addictions never U-turn, because data and science show its effectiveness.
“When 60% of those imprisoned for drug-related offences are young, particularly users, not pushers, they have a tough time upon release especially when it comes to getting a job and fitting back into society.
“They used drugs as a form of escapism. Now under immense duress and stress, they are more likely to relapse,” Syed Saddiq added.
The medical marijuana caucus comprises Syed Saddiq, Pengerang MP Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, Kuala Langat MP Datuk Xavier Jayakumar, Penampang MP Datuk Ignatius Darell Leiking, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, Kuala Kedah MP Azman Ismail, Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari. – The Vibes, October 15, 2021
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