4 In 10 Malaysians In Favour Of Legalising Medical Pot Survey Shows

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PETALING JAYA: A study by a global survey company has found that four in 10 Malaysians are in favour of legalising marijuana for medical purposes, with men more likely to support a change in law than women
According to research and data analytics firm YouGov, 43% of 1,012 participants surveyed said medical use of marijuana should be legalised, although 60% opposed the legalisation of the drug for recreational use
Of those who opposed the recreational use of marijuana, 85% were over the age of 55
Men were more likely than women to support the legalisation of medical marijuana, at 50% versus 36%
In a statement released in conjunction with the survey today, YouGov said its data showed that one in seven (14%) of Malaysians had been diagnosed with conditions that could potentially be treated by medical marijuana.The most common medical conditions among those surveyed were depression (6%), anxiety (5%), eating disorders (3%) and cancer (3%)
Those diagnosed with these conditions were more likely to support the legalisation of marijuana for medical purposes with nearly half (49%) in favour of the move
The survey also showed that more than half of the participants (57%) believed marijuana has medicinal value, compared to 12% who do not. The remaining 32% said they were unsure
When asked which substance they believed was most harmful to health, the majority of participants (42%) said heroin. This was followed by LSD (26%). Marijuana was ranked third (21%), followed by cocaine (17%), alcohol (12%), tobacco (6%) and caffeine (3%)
In September, it was reported that the Cabinet had “very briefly” discussed the medicinal value of marijuana, with informal talks said to be underway on amending the relevant laws
Discussions on allowing the drug started after public objections to the death penalty handed to a 29-year-old man sentenced for possessing, processing and distributing medicinal cannabis oil
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad previously said cannabis oil was still classified as a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act
He said those found guilty of dealing in or possessing cannabis products would be subject to severe punishment. His ministry maintains there is no evidence that cannabis oil can be used as medication
Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, meanwhile, said medical marijuana could only be used for research, not as alternative medicine. - FMT

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