Legalisation of Cannabidiol Products for Medicinal Use

The event took place at Plenary Theatre, Monash University Malaysia.

The School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia has organised an Expert Meeting on the Legalisation of Cannabidiol Products for Medicinal Use on 17th November 2022. It was an initiative by the School of Pharmacy to bring forward expert panellists, and observers to discuss the forthcoming legalisation of cannabidiol (CBD) products for medicinal use in Malaysia. It aimed to nurture multi-stakeholder dialogue exploring a variety of perspectives and recommendations on potential challenges and barriers, policies and strategies to optimise its capitalization in this new paradigm shift in the nation.

The event was opened by Associate Professor Dr. Chong Chun Wie, Deputy Head of School (Research).

The topics were discussed under three themes, which are Medical Use and Research, Legality and Enforcement, together with Societal and Economical Impact. Each of these respective themes had panellists representing different fraternities including NGOs of the healthcare field, industrial players and legal representatives as well as an international experienced enthusiast. Overall, it was an engagement to move towards better healthcare taking into account the medical benefit of cannabidiol products, which will then ensure healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.

This event was led by Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, with his team Dr. Yeap Li Ling, Dr. Ng Khuen Yen and Dr. Leong Siew Lian, and was advised by Dr. Chong Chun Wie and Dr. Mark Cheong Wing Loong.

This meeting was attended by set of expert panellists, observers together with the rapporteurs and the organising committee.

Theme 1: Medical Use and Research was moderated by Dr. Ng Khuen Yen and the panellists were Ass Prof Dr. Rusdi bin Abd Rashid (Director, University of Malaya Center of Addiction Studies (UMCAS)), Dr. Koh Kar Chai (Past Immediate President, Malaysian Medical Association) and Dr. Janethy Balakrishnan (President, Association of Integrative Medicine Malaysia (AIMM)).

Theme 2: Legality and Enforcement was moderated by Ms. Yogaambikai and the panellists were Mr. Amrahi Buang (President, Malaysian Pharmacists Society), Ms. Jennifer Chandran (Lawyer, Member of Medico-Legal Society & AIMM, Malaysia) and Dr. Nor Ilyani Binti Mohamed Nazar (Assistant Professor, Kulliyah of Pharmacy, IIUM Kuantan).

Theme 3: Societal and Economical was moderated by Mr. Dinesh and the panellists were Ms. Jarunya Chantakit (Medical Cannabis Integrative Professional), Mr. Johan Mohamad (President, Malaysia HempTech Industrial Research Association (MHIRA)) and Datin Dr. Mariani Ahmad Nizaruddin (Head, Department of Community and Pharmacy Practice, University of Cyberjaya).