Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said allowing marijuana to be planted in the country could provide an additional revenue stream, as long as a controlled system was put in place.
He said the use of cannabinoids, an active compound found in marijuana, had been proven to relieve pain, spasms, inflammation and convulsions.
Citing data from the US National Cancer Institute, he added that the use of marijuana to treat cancer symptoms dated back at least 3,000 years.
Acknowledging that cannabis oil and marijuana were currently available to cancer patients through unregulated sources, he said it should be legalised for the benefit of everyone.
“Decriminalising marijuana is the next logical step in laws pertaining to healthcare. As opposed to synthetic drugs, marijuana, when administered properly, is widely known to be a source of natural cure with medicinal values,” he said in a statement.
He said countries like Canada, Australia and the UK had either legalised marijuana for medical purposes or begun exploring the possibility of doing so.
“Malaysia can learn from these countries and the outcome of their approved usage before implementing this in our country,” he added.
He also called for present laws stipulating the death sentence for those who possess at least 400g of marijuana to be amended, with the substance reclassified as a controlled drug.
He gave the example of Dr Muhammad Lukman, who was recently sentenced to death for possessing cannabis oil which he used in the treatment of his patients, calling for his release.
“I feel obliged, in my capacity as a lawyer and a state assemblyman, to support this move as the intention for Muhammad Lukman being in possession of the said marijuana was purely for medical purposes and not for recreational use.
“Let us start with showing compassion and humanity towards Muhammad Lukman.
“Whereas the law provides, the judge still has an obligation to rely on his higher wisdom to interpret an action within the context of its intentions. In this case, Muhammad Lukman deserves clemency.”
Muhammad Lukman, 29, was handed the death sentence by the Shah Alam High Court on Aug 30 for possessing medicinal cannabis oil.
He was arrested in 2015 for possession of 3.1 litres of cannabis oil, 279g of compressed cannabis and 1.4kg of the substance containing tetrahydrocannabinol.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has indicated the government should review his case.