KUALA LUMPUR: The use of medical hemp and marijuana in Malaysia should be considered, says Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

       "We do not want Malaysia to be left behind just because discussions on the issue are sensitive when there are detailed studies based on data and science," the Muar MP said when debating the 12th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Sept 29).

       He proposed that the government tables a working paper on the use of hemp or medical marijuana.

       "I hope that the government will table a working paper that is transparent and sincere which is driven by data and science for the approval of the hemp and medical marijuana industry," he said.

       Syed Saddiq noted that some 40 countries have since approved the use hemp and marijuana for medical purposes.

       "There are youths suffering from mental health problems such as bi-polar conditions that can be helped with alternative medical treatment," he noted.

       He said that the government should have the moral courage to approach the issue based on science and data.

       He also noted that the medical marijuana industry currently grosses RM60bil annually and is expected to reach over RM400bil in the next four years.

       "Follow the data and science and set up a special committee comprising relevant ministries such as the Home Ministry and Health Ministry so that the industry is properly supervised," he added.

       If not done now, he said the nation would be left behind and it would be too late to develop the industry in the future.