Families allowed to grow kratom trees for cultural reasons
The Narcotic Crops Survey and Monitoring Institute is now studying how many kratom trees families should be allowed to grow.
“We have assigned the institute to conduct the study as the Public Health Ministry has recommended that Thais should be able to grow kratom (Mitragyna speciose) for personal use in line with their culture,” Narcotics Control Board’s secretary general Sirinya Sittichai said on Friday.
He said it might be okay to let a household grow one or two kratom trees.
“But I don’t think people will be allowed to carry kratom out of their home,” he said.
Sirinya also disclosed that a subcommittee on legal control of methamphetamine had already agreed to let people use kratom for their local way of life.
“The decision will be forwarded to the justice minister, to the Public Health Ministry, and then the Cabinet,” he said.
Kratom has some opioid and stimulant-like properties.
Sirinya added that discussions were ongoing as to whether marijuana could be legally allowed in Thailand for medical or research purposes.
