PETALING JAYA: Growing cannabis is possible – but only if permission is first obtained from the Health Ministry and it is for medicinal and research purposes.

According to an Astro Awani report, National Anti-Drugs Agency director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah said there was room in the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for the cultivation of cannabis for said purposes, with the condition that prior permission is obtained.

He added that its cultivation should be strictly controlled so it is not misused for other purposes.

According to Zulkifli, he had read news of Malaysians who had a thriving cannabis oil business overseas.

According to a Berita Harian report, three Malaysians residing in the United Kingdom had successfully produced CBD oil (Cannabidiol) from cannabis sativa after researching the efficacy of the substance for medicinal use.

The trio had even obtained a license to market their product in other countries in the European Union.

He also pointed out that cannabis is already cultivated in certain countries.

Thus, said Zulkifli, if cannabis is cultivated locally, Malaysia could one day be an exporter, but only if the process is done in accordance with the law.

"That's why it is important to get the approval of the Health Ministry beforehand, before it can be produced for medicinal reasons," he said.

Zulkifli was speaking to the media after the Pahang AADK appreciation ceremony at the headquarters of Pahang fire and rescue department on Saturday night.