Helm cultivation to be allowed in Thailand for non-recreational purposes

BANGKOK, December 29 (TNA) - After the Thai Cabinet has approved helm cultivation in the country for economic purposes, the process is pending an announcement in the Royal Gazette so that it will be officially enforced. Sirinya Sitdhichai, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), told journalists on Thursday that the Thai Cabinet approved a ministerial regulation, proposed by the Ministry of Public Health, to allow hemp or cannabis sativa cultivation as a cash crop for non-recreational purposes in September 2016. Sirinya said the ministerial regulation stipulates that the species of hemp or cannabis sativa allowed to be grown in the country must contain no higher than one per cent of psychoactive component of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). According to the ONCB chief, the regulation will be soon announced in the Royal Gazette and will be legally enforced within 360 days thereafter. The ONCB chief explained that within the first three years after the announcement, only state agencies will be allowed to seek permission for helm cultivation and selling, after which ONCB will evaluate whether it should allow individuals and juristic persons to follow suit. (TNA)