South Korea legalizes medical use of cannabis

The South Korean National Assembly approved medical use of cannabis on 25 November, through the amendment of the country's Management of Narcotic Drugs Act (MNDA).

according to the country's official statement released contemporaneous with the legalization, the legalization became necessary after some 'treatment effects' of using marijuana have been proven.

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In order to use cannabis for treatment, South Korean citizens will be required firstly to get a medical prescription, then approval from the Korean Orphan Drug Center, which would process applications on a case-by-case basis.

The MNDA also provides a legal regime for licensing cannabis production and sale for medical purposes.

South Korea, like most Asian countries is so strict on drug use and trafficking that even use of marijuana abroad may result in conviction at home. For instance, the South Korean Embassy in Canada issued a warning to South Koreans at the wake of the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Canada that such cannabis use, even in countries where it is legal to do so, may result in conviction at home.

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However, critiques and interest groups have welcomed the legalization of medical cannabis as a breakthrough for investors and medical researchers.

Malaysia is expected to also legalize medical use of cannabis soon, hence opening up the Asian cannabis market to investors.