He said there have been many discussions and social media advocacy on the use of medical marijuana but there have yet to be any proposals for a clinical study or trial.

“The health ministry has been consistent in practising evidence-based policies. That is why we have welcomed clinical studies for the use of CBD (cannabidiol, extracted from marijuana) for medicinal purposes,” he said in a tweet today.

Watch the video here.

He added that these studies could be coordinated by the Institute for Clinical Research under the health ministry.

“We are ready to collaborate,” he said.

Recently, singer and composer Yasin Sulaiman was charged in a magistrates’ court with trafficking cannabis and cultivating 17 plants believed to be cannabis. The case is to be transferred to the High Court as it involves the death penalty.

In January, a retired military captain known as “Dr Ganja” was ordered by the High Court to enter his defence on 39 drug-related charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act. His case continues tomorrow.