Academic research on reducing the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level in cannabis will be conducted to discourage people using the crop as a narcotic, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said Thursday.
ONCB secretary-general Sirinya Sitdhichai said the Public Health Ministry is drafting a ministerial regulation to pave the way to lowering THC levels in hemp, known as ganjong, to less than 0.5%.
The research will be jointly conducted by the ministry’s Food and Drug Administration, the Highland Research and Development Institute and the Royal Project Foundation, he said.
The ministerial regulation draft came after the cabinet earlier decided to allow hemp plantations in six provinces of the country. However, the species of hemp plant being grown must not contain more than 1% of THC.
THC is the major psychoactive component of marijuana enjoyed by recreational users.
If growers are found with plants with THC levels exceeding 1%, they could face legal action.
Aside from the study on THC level reduction, the research team will also work on breeding high-quality hemp varieties which give high yields with durable fibre, which are commonly used for textile and bag manufacturing.
Mr Sirinya said hemp farming will be allowed for five purposes: Household use; commercial industry; research; breeding for agriculture; and breeding for seeds for some parts of the hemp tree, as stipulated by the law.
Hemp planting will be promoted among farmers under supervision by the ONCB and other agencies.
Earlier, the cabinet approved a proposal to allow the plant to be grown as a cash crop in six selected northern provinces, as part of a project to use narcotic plants for medical purposes.
The proposal will be implemented in the coming year in 15 districts in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Phetchabun and Mae Hong Son provinces.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Scientists Aim To Reduce THC In Marijuana Crops
Author: King-Ou Laohong
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Photo Credit: AP
Website: Bangkok Post
