SINGAPORE - The authorities have clarified Singapore's position on the use of pharmaceutical cannabinoid products here, saying that their presence is under strict frameworks and regulations and does not diminish the Republic's zero-tolerance position on drugs.

In a joint statement on Wednesday (Feb 13), the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Health Ministry said it was important to differentiate between products containing unprocessed or raw cannabis and pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids.

"Our drug control policies are underpinned by evidence and research," said the statement, adding that Singapore must continue to stay drug-free to prevent harm to its population and society.

"Cannabis is clearly addictive and harmful, and there is no scientific evidence of the safety and efficacy of raw cannabis use. This supports our position that cannabis should remain an illicit drug. At the same time, we will continue to allow safe and controlled access to evidence-based medical treatment options," it said.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.

They can be medically administered through pharmaceutical products such as oral solutions and sprays, said the authorities, acknowledging the potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoids.

"There is some published research, derived from controlled clinical trials, on the potential therapeutic uses of cannabinoids to manage seizures and epilepsy," added the statement.

These cannabinoid pharmaceuticals undergo rigorous scientific review by the Health Sciences Authority before they can be registered for supply here.

Manufacturers also need to substantiate the safety, quality and efficacy of the cannabinoid pharmaceuticals based on scientific evidence from clinical studies and data on the manufacturing process.

However, to date, there have been no studies which validate the claims of unprocessed or raw cannabis being able to treat medical conditions, said the authorities.

They cited a 2015 literature review done by experts from the Institute of Mental Health that affirmed the harmful and addictive nature of unprocessed or raw cannabis.

"The team concluded that cannabis consumption is associated with irreversible brain damage, brain shrinkage, and serious mental or psychiatric illnesses," said the authorities.

The statement added: "The Singapore Government's stand on illicit drugs, including cannabis, is clear - they are harmful, addictive and can destroy lives, families and communities."

It said examples of other countries have clearly shown that a permissive attitude towards the use of drugs exacts a high cost on society.

"Therefore, we have strict laws against the trafficking, possession, consumption, and import or export of illicit drugs, including cannabis and cannabis products."

This comes against the backdrop of countries such as Thailand approving legislation on the use of cannabis for medical purposes in December 2018.

Other countries in the region have also reportedly started talks on similar legislation.

In the statement, the ministries said Singapore's "comprehensive and sustained approach" to tackling both the demand and supply of drugs has allowed the country to remain relatively drug-free.

In 2018, the number of drug abusers arrested comprised less than 0.1 per cent of Singapore's population.