VIENTIANE, Jan 31 : The Ministry of Health has issued an agreement stating their approval to produce and distribute hemp or cannabis sativa L and the restrictions businesses must follow for medical purposes in Laos.

The agreement states that the seeds produced from cannabis sativa L must be registered, authorize their sources of origin, and control amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of 1% per weight, under the approval from the ministry.

The ministry permits certified businesses to use cannabidiol (CBD) for main medical purposes, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) must not exceed 1 percent by weight, or 0.2 percent for both raw and processed products.

Certified businesses must also construct a closed environment and facilities in order to maintain product quality.

Health supplement products with CBD as the primary ingredient and THC content below 0.2 percent of the product’s weight can be sold provided they place instructions on the product label.

The sale, distribution, and general use of cosmetics, beverages, and aromatic oils containing CBD as the main ingredient and registered by the Food and Drug Department under the ministry are also permitted.

The approval came after the country formed a task force committee to conduct a study on the potential of marijuana for medicinal use.

 - ANN