medical marijuana - the malaysian perspective

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective i

MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND THE ISSUES OF LEGALIZATION:

THE MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE

LILIAN CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT

A project report submitted to the

School of Communication Studies,

SEGi University

in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of

Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons)

2015

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective ii

Abstract of project presented to the Senate of SEGi University in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the

Degree of Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons)



By

LILAN CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT

2015

This research paper aims to determine the perception of Malaysians towards marijuana,

its medical uses and its possibility for being legalized within Malaysia for potential

patients. In order to determine a rough estimation of these possibilities, 150 Malaysian

citizens residing in Selangor participated in a predominantly online survey employing a

non-probability sampling method and the snow ball effect. Their responses were

collected, appropriately categorized, and analyzed for a clearer display of the perception

held in regards to this topic. Extensive research on previous material has also been

incorporated into this research paper in order to relate findings to existent information

and standings on the topic, as well as to enable a comprehensive analysis of legalizing

medical marijuana for potential patients in Malaysia. The collectively attained findings of

this research paper stand to show a strong support in and high possibility for the potential

of legalizing medical marijuana in Malaysia for appropriate patients.

Key words – Malaysian, potential patients, medical marijuana, legalization, Selangor

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective iii

Abstrak projek yang dikemukakan kepada Senat Universiti SEGi sebagai memenuhi

sebahagian keperluan untuk

Ijazah Sarjana Muda Komunikasi Massa (Kepujian)



Oleh

LILIAN CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT

2015

Kertas penyelidikan ini bertujuan untuk mengenalpasti persepsi rakyat Malaysia terhadap

ganja, kegunaannya untuk tujuan perubatan dan potensi kelulusan pengunaan ganja oleh

pesakit di sisi undang-undang . Bagi menentukan anggaran kasar kemungkinan ini, 150

responden berwarganegara Malaysia yang menetap di Selangor telah mengambil

bahagian dalam kajian ini. Kebanyakan peratus mereka telah menjawab soalan kajian

secara elektronik dengan menggunakan kaedah persampelan bukan kebarangkalian dan

persampelan bola salji. Jawapan mereka dikumpulkan, dikategorikan dan dianalisis untuk

paparan yang lebih jelas mengenai persepsi berkenaan dengan potensi panggunaan ganja

oleh pesakit yang dikenalpasti. Kajian menyeluruh juga dijalankan di atas keputusan

kajian yang wujud sebelum ini, dan telah dimasukkan ke dalam kertas penyelidikan ini

untuk membantu dan mengukuhkan lagi maklumat mengenai topik ini, serta

membolehkan analisis untuk dibentukkan mengenai potensi penggunaan ganja bagi

tujuan perubatan untuk pesakit dikenalpasti di Malaysia. Hasil kajian secara kolektif

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective iv

kertas penyelidikan ini telah mentukan sokongan yang kuat untuk mengesahkan

kegunaan ganja bagi tujuan perubatan di Malaysia untuk pesakit tertentu.

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND DEDICATION

It is clear that this paper would not have been made possible if not for the extensive

support and help of several irreplaceable members of society, friends, family and

supervisors. It is therefore only appropriate to extend an exclusive thank you to several

individuals who made this research paper possible and who stood by my side throughout,

often paving a way for the next step to commence when obstacles or challenges were

met. This list of names stands to include my research supervisor Ms Miza, advisor Dr.

Melati, and also volunteers Shannya and Elisabeth.

This paper is dedicated to several prominent individuals in my life and is meant for the

benefit of the general population. I therefore extend my thank you to all survey

participants, my friends, as well as to the unfortunate individuals that have given me

purpose and inspiration to conduct this research paper in search of determining the

acceptance of the alternative medication, marijuana, within Malaysia.

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective vi

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project report is based on my original work except for

quotations and citations, which have been duly acknowledged. I also declare that it has

not been previously or concurrently submitted for any other degree at SEGi University or

other institutions.

..……………………..

LILIAN CHRISTIAN

SCHMIDT

Date:

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective vii

LIST OF TABLES

Main Table

3.3. Sampling criteria Table 62

4.2.2. Age group analysis Table 67

4.2.3. Gender breakdown Table 69

4.2.4. Occupational status Table 40

4.5.1. Perception towards marijuana and its medical uses Table 206

4.5.2. Perception on the legalization of medical marijuana Table 208

4.7. Contributing factors for general marijuana usage Table 217

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure

2.2. Support for marijuana legalization (US) Figure 26

2.5. Cannabis is least risky recreational drug Figure 32

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

ABSTRACT ii

ABSTRAK iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND DEDICATION v

DECLARATION vi

LIST OF TABLES vii

LIST OF FIGURES vii

CHAPTER

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of Study 1

1.2. Research Problem 4

1.3. Objective of Study 6

1.4. Significance of Study 7

1.5. Limitation of Study 9

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. General history of medical marijuana from ancient times till the

19th century 12

2.2. Marijuana in the 20th

century 17

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective ix

2.3. Medical marijuana: it‟s possible effects, legalization benefits and

suggested intake methods 27

2.4. Current recognized prescription purposes approved for medical

marijuana usage 30

2.5. Alcohol Vs. Tobacco Vs. Marijuana 32

2.6. The application of marijuana in the Islamic world (8th – 19

th century) 34

2.7. Medical uses of hashish (marijuana) in the Islamic world 37

2.8. Malaysian law and statistics concerning marijuana 38

2.9. The history of marijuana in Malaysia and its current developments

2.9.1. Historical references of marijuana in Malaysia 41

2.9.2. Tradition and marijuana in Malaysia 42

2.9.3. Drug decriminalization and rescheduling propositions 42

2.9.4. Current efforts for marijuana in Malaysian 43

2.10 Marijuana related research and surveys 45

2.11 Theoretical Framework 47

3. METHODOLOGY 56

3.1. Research instrument 57

3.2. Objective of survey questions 59

3.3. Research Sample 60

3.4. Method of survey distribution and collection 63

3.5. Method for data categorization & analysis 65

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective x

4. SURVEY FINDINGS & ANALYSIS

4.1. Survey Facts 66

4.2. Demography of respondents

4.2.1. Age analysis and breakdown 67

4.2.2. Age group analysis 67

4.2.3. Gender breakdown 69

4.2.4. Occupational status and employment 70

4.3. Findings according to total respondent numbers 72

4.4. Findings based on user and non-user groups (quantitative basis) 174

4.5. Quantitative answers 206

4.6. Qualitative answers 209

4.7. Contributing factors for general marijuana usage 217

5. DISCUSSION

5.1. Based on Survey Findings 219

5.2. Based on Literature Review 228

6. CONCLUSION 235

7. REFERENCES 238

8. APPENDIX 248

8.1. Questionnaire 249

8.2. Questionnaire references 257

9. BIODATA OF AUTHOR 262

Medical Marijuana: The Malaysian Perspective 1

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Marijuana has been used for thousands of years in China for its medicinal

purposes (Lemberg, 1980). It wasn‟t till recently that the plant together with its usage was

banned across the globe, and it is only now that the benefits of marijuana are being

realized and fought for. Several states and countries have now come to the point of

outweighing the perceived negative aspects with the potential benefits that marijuana has

to offer. A series of recent scientific studies have proven that cannabinoids, an active

ingredient in marijuana, are naturally occurring in human breast milk serving the purpose

of strengthening and building up the immune system of a new born child. Cannabinoids

have also been found to stimulate the urge for feeding within babies (Benson, 2012). This

is a significant breakthrough in considering marijuana for its potential and natural

medicinal purposes and also in the acceptance of its usage socially and politically. The

use of medical marijuana has also proven to be effective for children suffering from

cancer, and has become a leading topic of debate in the medical world restricted only by

laws (Cash Hyde Foundation, 2011).

In certain other cultures, such as the one found in Jamaica, men, women and even

children, culturally use marijuana for its benefits as was found by Dr. Melanie Dreher

over a 25 year research period. Among the findings are included the usage of marijuana

by pregnant women and the positive results that it can have on the child‟s development

after birth. This included a finding proving mothers that were exposed to marijuana

during pregnancy and children after birth were quicker in development as compared to

the unexposed children of the same age (Brandy, 1999).


Even though countries and states within the USA have started opening their doors

to the legal usage of medical marijuana, the herb still remains classified as a dangerous

drug in many places across the globe. Malaysia included, is listed as one of the harshest

countries in the world in relation to marijuana usage and distribution (Sean, 2011). As

relayed by Jim Behr of the 420 Magazine, a 25 year old man was sentenced to death in

2010 for the intended distribution of 622g of marijuana, as was also reported by Azreen

Hani of the Malay Mail. With such strict laws in play, there is a clash within the

community between those that realize the benefits of its usages, and the government that

enforces these extensively harsh laws. Medical Marijuana in Malaysia is essentially non-

existent, with few individuals willing to make a stand and with a great need for further

research on the topic to ensure that minimal misconceptions arise whilst during

discussion.

Historical references point to marijuana having been used effectively as a form of

medication within Malaysia, most commonly reported for the usage of asthma and

leprosy (Hutton, 2014). It was also mentioned as being included in the practices of

traditional healers within the Malay territories (O‟Shaughnessy, 1839), providing clear

evidence that the medical uses of marijuana had been known and practiced among locals

prior to its complete illegalization and classification as a Schedule 1 drug in 1952

(Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952). It wasn‟t till recently that the Malaysian government

proposed a new approach to handling drug users, moving from prosecuting them towards

treating them and rehabilitating them (Themalaysianinsider.com, 2013). However, it does

not place any specification on marijuana although it comes three years after the MP

Zahrain Mohamed Hashim had requested the Malaysian government to conduct studies


and to consider the rescheduling of marijuana within the country (Seshata, 2014). Within

the same time frame, a pro-marijuana movement was started locally with the intentions of

advocating the medical benefits of marijuana to the public. Headed by GENGGAM

(Gerakan Edukasi Ganja Malaysia) in 2013, they made a public appearance complete

with banners, flyers and other materials on the topic (The Hemperor‟s New Clothes,

2013). Regretfully no public opinion surveys have been conducted on the topic within

Malaysia.

This paper will explore some of the perceptions, stand points and beliefs held by a

fraction of the Malaysian population that resides in Selangor with the intention of

creating new data that will lead to the education and eventual acknowledgement of

medical marijuana for all its known benefits.


1.2 Research Problem

Although marijuana has been used for its medical purposes for thousands of

years, it has now become banned in the majority of countries across the world. This also

includes Malaysia. Marijuana however, as research has proven, when used for its medical

properties, is able to combat and ease various conditions and illnesses.

Research and studies have concluded that it is a viable alternative treatment to an

assortment of different medical conditions, for which modern medicine seems less

effective towards or to have severe side effects (Grinspoon, 2000). These include

migraines, cancer and multiple sclerosis. In recent time, this has been recognized in a

growing number of states and countries showing that the legalization of the plant for its

medical purposes is now more readily acceptable among the general people.

In Malaysia marijuana is illegal for all purposes, and little research has been

conducted on its effect on society within the country. The readily available statistics on

the usage of marijuana are attainable from the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) and

recount the number of ganja users and abusers that were caught for the respective years.

This number only reflects on the number that got caught; there has been no mention of an

official national study being conducted on just marijuana users. This is important missing

information related to this research paper, as the exact number or estimate of users make

a critical difference on how this paper may be accepted in regard to its original purpose of

analyzing the legalization of medical marijuana.

There are also close to no related medical marijuana cases that can be researched

on concerning Malaysia, with the exception of the 1991 case of Kerry Wiley, where


medical marijuana was acknowledged to exist and be legally recognized as a form of

medication (Grinspoon, n.d.). Here lies the second gap that is vital to keep in mind for

this research and also on how important this research is in filling this missing sector. This

sector lies in the legal system that has clumped together all the various drugs and their

potential uses under the illegal section of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 under which

marijuana falls as well. There is no law or regulation that is concerned with the use of

marijuana for its medical beneficial purposes, leaving medical marijuana simply

unmentioned. This is unfortunate in the sense that it is not being recognized, positively it

creates the opportunity of a more specific law or clause being introduced that concerns

the legality of medical marijuana. No law must at first be amended, but a new law may be

added in with greater ease and acceptance.

No study has been conducted on the general public´s view on marijuana and if or

if not it could be accepted in this country for its medical purposes. These are questions

and gaps to which no answer has been provided, and due to this lack of information and

the basic potential that medical marijuana may have on this country and its people, this

research becomes a necessity in understanding what place marijuana holds and what the

right method of handling this substance may be (current laws state the death sentence if

convicted for possession of more than 200g, Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952).

This study aims to shed light upon the perception towards marijuana by the

Malaysian people, and if its benefits may be incorporated into the medical world as an

alternative treatment from conventional pharmaceutically produced medication.


1.3 Objective of Study

Research Objectives

The research objectives include:

1. To examine the general perception of Malaysians residing in Selangor towards

marijuana and its medicinal uses.

2. To study the opinion of Malaysians residing in Selangor on legalizing medical

marijuana for potential patients.

Research Questions

The research questions include:

1. What is the general perception of Malaysians residing in Selangor towards marijuana

and its medicinal uses?

2. What is the opinion of Malaysians residing in Selangor concerning the legalization of

medical marijuana for potential patients?


1.4 Significance of Study

This research paper aims to display and present the perceptions held by

Malaysians in regards to marijuana in general, its medical uses and aspects, as well as its

potential to be made legally available. Malaysian statistics have shown that marijuana is a

common substance of consumption in relation to recorded substance abuse within the

country; however the reasons or influential aspects for its usage have not been recorded

neither has there been a local publication made on the perceptions and believes held by

Malaysians in regard to marijuana in general or for its medical attributes.

Globally it has become a form of trend to reconsider the medical aspects of

marijuana and even marijuana in general. This is clearly shown with the legalization and

recognition of medical marijuana in the USA and the legalization of marijuana in general

in Uruguay in recent years. Numerous other countries around the globe have now begun

discussions and reconsiderations of the drug for medical purposes based on the

overwhelming information made available via new research and findings.

This is resulting in a global trend of change towards the topic officially, the

healthcare system, judiciary system and government policy, as well as shifting public

opinion. The implementation of marijuana for its medical purposes has numerous times

displayed strong positive results concerning both patients and country policies.

Malaysia currently disregards the medical properties of marijuana and holds to its

extensively harsh laws concerned with this plant. There are also no recent studies

available on the aspects of medical marijuana within Malaysia and neither is there any

appropriate material made available on the public‟s perception of medical marijuana and


its potential to be made legally available for applicable patients locally. This study aims

to fill in this latter gap and provide substantial information in regards to public opinion on

the topic by taking the responses of Malaysians residing in Selangor, and to establish if

Malaysia is a future contender for making medical marijuana available for potential

patients within the country. This research paper aims to fulfill the purpose of creating a

platform of new information to which future researchers can refer to and use in

establishing further studies and findings significant to the topic.


1.5 Limitations of Study

There are several limitations that must be considered associated with this research

study. While it goes to show the perception of Malaysians regard towards marijuana and

its medical uses in Selangor, it collectively analyzes only a fraction of the population that

resides therein, let alone the whole of Malaysia. However, in regards to its serving its

purpose, it stands to provide new information that can be used by future researchers and

studies related to the topic. It also compiles existent materials to which others can refer

towards whilst searching for information in regards to this topic subject.

Another limitation that exists in aspects to this research paper is the verification of

certain information provided by survey respondents. This is in regards to the findings

concerned with the claim that marijuana has had medical benefits for the individual.

Question 7 asks the following „In your opinion, does/did marijuana use have any medical

benefits for you? Condition should be medically diagnosable/ identifiable by a doctor.‟

This is based upon the perception and belief of respondents and does not request further

information as to what specifically marijuana‟s medical benefits were proven useful for

to this individual, neither does it seek to verify if this condition is truly identifiable or

diagnosable by a doctor. However, it non-the-less serves its purpose of clearly

establishing experience and regard by the user group within the survey participants in

regard to marijuana‟s medical aspects and perception towards it.

Another limitation was the method in which the survey was distributed which

employed the non-probability sampling and snowball effect methods. This simply means

that the findings collected are not by random sampling which would give all Malaysians


residing in Selangor an equal opportunity at being a survey respondent. Using the non-

probability sampling method, the direction in which the survey was further spread may

have been influenced by its appropriateness towards these members within society. This

however, similarly to that of Question 7, it allows room and opportunity for future

researchers to engage in further studies to determine further more detailed results.

In relation to this, a main challenge was the attainment of accurate and honest

responses from survey participants. Even though the survey was assured to be

anonymous and confidential, there was an observable hesitance among those that were

approached to partake in this survey. Among those there was confession to altering

personal details of age and gender that had then been rectified, displaying a fear in

disclosing personal information in regards to the research topic. Even though Malaysia is

by official political categorization, „a parliamentary democracy with a federal

constitution with a federal constitutional monarch‟ it seems that reactions by citizens

suggest a flaw in confidence in the manner that the country is governed

(Thecommonwealth.org, n.d.) A noticeable factor that is capable of influencing this

approach to partaking in this survey is the legal factor and the fear of the law enforcement

being able to track individuals or their opinions and relate or charge them to one of the

imposed legal judgments on the topic; suspicion being based on their anonymous

personal information and opinion disclosure.

In regards to the qualitative and quantitative information collected from voluntary

survey participants, the qualitative responses to the quantitative questions posed several

challenges in categorization. Due to the opportunity to answer according to their opinion,

beliefs and thoughts, answers often proved to be abstract or difficult to place within a


common category. In the attempt to appropriately place the valuable responses into their

categories, it was observed that due to the possibility of one respondent providing more

than one specific answer that may fit into a common category, the qualitative answers are

presented not as a direct reflection of respondents but rather of the number of responses

or as displayed the estimated number of respondents (e.r.).

Finally, even with positive survey results and findings supporting the legalization

of medical marijuana for potential patients within Malaysia, there are several obstacles

that may pose considerable resistance to this prospect. One is the legal status of

marijuana being labeled a Schedule 1 drug and the unwillingness for the relevant parties

to alter or add additional laws in regard to this aspect. The other main challenge may be

posed by the religious community within Malaysia that is predominantly of the Islamic

belief. Due to the dispute in the usage of marijuana for medical purposes or other in

accordance to Islamic teachings and belief, there is a likeliness that certain parties will

label Marijuana as Haram, as indeed one of the survey responses did.

This research paper aims to address these limitations and to where it is applicable,

provide existent supporting evidence in support of any claims made.


2.0 Literature Review

2.1 General history of medical marijuana from ancient times till the 19th

century

It was the Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi who seems to be one of the first to make a

medical reference to marijuana, known to them as Ma. This was in the early years of ca.

2900 BC, and at that point long before any known laws restricted its usage, marijuana

was considered to be a very popular medicine indeed (Deitch, 2003), and renowned for

its medical abilities for centuries to come. Circa 200 years later, the Emperor Shen Nung,

also considered as the Father of Chinese medicine, identified three main herbal

medications, cannabis being one and the other two being ginseng and ephedra (Joy &

Mack, 2001). All of which are still renowned in traditional and modern medicine for

various uses. It wasn‟t till 1500 BC though that a written record of medical marijuana

was jotted down, as it made its mention in the Chinese Pharmacopeia for the first time

during this time period (Marijuana Research Findings, n.d.). It is clear that the Chinese

were one of the first civilizations to utilize the medical purposes of marijuana and

continued its usage for these purposes for centuries to come, pioneering the first known

steps of exploring marijuana for its medical purposes.

In around 1450 BC kaneh-bosem, reputably Hebrew for marijuana was recorded

into spiritual and religious beliefs of one of the world‟s current leading religions,

Christianity. No reference of marijuana‟s usual consumption methods is made in it but

instead it is reported as a main ingredient in the making of holy anointing oil (Bennet,

2003). The importance of this if indeed true, lies in the role it plays in religion as


according to this revelation, the large Christian population should not be opposing to the

usages of marijuana for its beneficial purposes.

In the close by region of Egypt and two centuries later, Ramesses II held rule till

the year 1213 BC after which he was mummified. Upon recovery of the mummy,

cannabis pollen was among the discoveries that were found during the examination.

During this time and era, glaucoma, inflammation, cooling of the uterus and the

administration of enemas was all a call for the prescription of the marijuana plant

(Manniche, 1989). By the year 1000 BC, the medicinal usages of marijuana were

spreading in India and being used to treat a variety of “human maladies”. The medicinal

drink, usually based of milk, cannabis and a variety of other ingredients, served as an

anesthetic and anti-phlegmatic known as Bhang (US National Commission on Marihuana

and Drug Abuse, 1972). As the years passed, Bhang was mentioned in the Venidad, one

of the volumes that made up the ancient Persian religious texts Zend-Avesta, in about the

year 700 BC. Here is also placed the ranking of marijuana at the top of the list of

importance, ahead of the other 10,000 medicinal plants (Booth, 2005). A hundred years

later, Sushruta Samhita, included the use of cannabis into the traditional Indian medicinal

system of Ayurveda, citing its uses even against leprosy (Green, 2002). Ancient Greece

found the uses of marijuana applicable against earache, edema and inflammation (US

National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse, 1972).

The next millennia, 1 AD, started out with the ancient Chinese listing down more

than a 100 different ailments, ranging from gout till absent mindedness for which

cannabis was recommended (Joy & Mack, 2001). The Romans in around 70 AD found

new uses for the plant for one of which, apart from the usual earaches, was to suppress


sexual longing. In later times between the years 800-900 AD, the Arab world was using

the benefits of marijuana for a number of different ailments including migraines and

syphilis (Booth, 2005). Its use was continued among the Arabic population and became

common practice with the doctors of the Islamic faith (Touw, 1989). By 1621, the

western world was exposed to some of the potentials of medical uses of marijuana, as

Robert Burton, the English Clergyman and Oxford scholar, suggested it to be a treatment

for depression (Grinspoon, 2005). Between the years 1745-1775, cannabis was also

promoted by one of the most famous leaders in the worlds history; George Washington.

He had a keen interest in the plant itself and also towards the medicinal properties which

may be present in them and how they could be used (Deitch, 2003). Being the first

American president, he would have had a considerable influence on people‟s thoughts

and attitudes towards marijuana.

At the beginning of the 19th century, marijuana was being researched in Europe

for its pain relieving and anesthetic attributes. This was due to the fact that Napoleon had

returned to France in 1799 from war, bringing together with him the cannabis plant, now

used to treat his injured soldiers. As a result, medical marijuana gained a much wider user

audience and acceptance in Western Medicine (US National Commission on Marihuana

and Drug Abuse, 1972). Further explorers, travelers and pioneers such as William

O‟Shaughnessy who are accredited for bringing back medical marijuana to the United

Kingdom in 1840, ensured that its uses would not go to waste, as even Queen Victoria

was reported to have used it to help control her menstrual pains. It was also used to treat

matters such as muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, convulsions of tetanus,

rabies and epilepsy; gaining usage even among pregnant women as suggested by its


usage to promote uterine contractions in childbirth (House of Lords Select Committee on

Science and Technology, 1998).

In that same decade, marijuana became a mainstream medication to the West,

gaining popularity for its numerous uses, including more simple disorders such as low

appetite or problems sleeping. The last positive outreach of a larger scale concerning

medical marijuana occurred just before the 1850s when cannabis was entered into the

United States Pharmacopeia, a document containing all medications sold over-the-

counter or prescribed. It was listed as a treatment for, among other things, neuralgia,

tetanus, typhus, cholera, rabies, dysentery, alcoholism, opiate addiction, anthrax, leprosy,

incontinence, gout, convulsive disorders, tonsillitis, insanity, excessive menstrual

bleeding, and uterine bleeding (Boire & Feeney, 2007).

It can be concluded that it was up until this point that the usage and recognition of

medical marijuana had been growing or gaining in popularity worldwide over time and

cultures. This was due to all the ailments for which it was recommended for in the eyes

of the ancient and „older world‟, and which when placed into a list extends to include (as

provided per above cited material); glaucoma, inflammation, earache, edema, leprosy,

gout, rheumatism, malaria, migraines, syphilis, vomiting, parasitic infections,

hemorrhage, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, rabies, epilepsy, dysentery, neuralgia,

tetanus, typhus, cholera, rabies, alcoholism, opiate addiction, anthrax, incontinence,

convulsive disorders, tonsillitis, insanity, excessive menstrual bleeding, and uterine

bleeding. It was also used in cooling the uterus, promoting uterine contractions during

childbearing, and as an anesthetic, analgesic, and anti-phlegmatic, even claimed to work

against absentmindedness and sexual longings.


Medical marijuana had not been globally challenged up until this point. However,

when the early 20th

century came about, there was a mass increase in the illegalization of

cannabis, hemp and with it, medical marijuana. Towards the later part of the century

there was once again a turn in the perception and knowledge of the topic leading to the

current trend of reversing or revising standing laws concerning medical marijuana and

marijuana in general.


2.2 Marijuana in the 20th

century

The beginning of the 20th century took a turn for the worse in the aspects of

marijuana and with it also its medical usages and benefits. The 1910s saw the start of the

plant being illegalized, the first state being Massachusetts in 1911 and by 1917 another

nine states had followed suit. In certain areas it was banned in order to restrict future

usage although at that time there were no widespread concerns caused by marijuana; this

included the state of California (Gieringer, 1999). In 1925 the League of Nations, an

alliance of nations that had been formed after the end of WW1, signed a multilateral

treaty that restricting the use of cannabis, aka marijuana, to the sole purpose of scientific

and medical considerations (United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime [UNODC],

1962).

By 1936 medical marijuana came under direct attack as new modern medicines

such as aspirin, morphine and other opium-derived drugs were set to supplant its usages

against pain (Eddy, 2010). Beliefs towards marijuana were indeed so far reverted that in

1942 it was removed from the list of US Pharmacopeia, this had the devastating effect of

it losing all grounds of medical purposes and benefits (American Medical Association

[AMA], 1997). Nine years later the Boggs Act is passed in the US which imposes a

minimal prison sentence for mere possession of the now illegal drug. This act was mainly

based on the false belief that drug addiction was contagious and possibly incurable

(Families against Mandatory Minimums, 2008).

Not long after the UN, the post WW2 reformed League of Nations, establishes

Article 48 in the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which stated that any


usage of marijuana other than for medical and scientific purposes should be discontinued

in the next twenty-five years (UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961). Things

went even worse in the US when in 1970 the Controlled Substance Act decided to label

marijuana as any other illegal drug, a drug with “no accepted medical use” (US Drug

Enforcement Administration [DEA], n.a.). However, this seemed to be rather quickly

countered four years later with the setting up of the National Institute on Drug Abuse

which was placed in charge of growing marijuana for research purposes (NIDA, 1998).

1976 saw a ray of hope for medical marijuana in the USA with the arising of the

case US v. Randall, hereby Robert Randall used the Common Law of Necessity to win on

grounds of medical need for marijuana to aid him with his glaucoma, against charges

brought against him for cultivating the plant (Schaffer Online Library of Drug Policy,

n.a.). The same year saw an international event of high significance for the 20th century in

the regard of marijuana, which came in the form of the decriminalization of the plant

within the Netherlands (Reinarman, 2004). This had the effect of making the country a

marijuana patient‟s heaven, with Amsterdam becoming the world‟s marijuana capital.

After the decriminalization of marijuana in the Netherlands, America was the next

country to make mentionable changes with their laws through long and hard struggles.

These changes were often times reversed or contradictory to each other, especially later

on when the State Laws were amended but the Federal Law remained the same. This

went on for the better part of almost 30 years, until finally it was started to be

decriminalized and medical marijuana made legal.


After NIDA had been established, in 1978 they supplied to a few patients

marijuana on medical grounds under the Federal Government IND (Investigational New

Drug) Compassionate Program (Archives.drugabuse.gov, 1998). These few patients were

never revoked their rights to the medical marijuana that they had attained, however the

law itself was suspended in 1991 and shortly later it was altogether disbanded (Isikoff,

1991). In the same year as these few approved patients were legally supplied their first

medical marijuana, the state of New Mexico passed the first law that recognized the value

of marijuana medically in the form of the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Act (Scott,

1994).

The start of the new decade saw the rise of a synthetic version of THC (the

psycho-active compound found in marijuana) that was called Marinol. It was also the

same year when cancer patients first were tested with the effects of smoked marijuana

(Akhavan, 2001). In 1985 Marinol was approved by the FDA and by 1993 it was

approved as a treatment for anorexia in AIDS patients (Eddy, 2010). People too were

changing. With marijuana still a Schedule I drug, and due to stricter laws that were

implemented in 1986, the DEA Judge Francis Young recommended it to be reconsidered

and placed as a Schedule II drug. His case was grounded on the records that documented

the use and its positive effects upon a variety of very sick patients, with the DEA

standing in between these patients and their medication (Young, 1988). The new laws

included a life sentence for repeat drug offenders and the death penalty for drug kingpins

(Busted: America's War on Marijuana, 1998). Francis Young‟s recommendation however

was shot down by the DEA administration just a year after it was made and marijuana for

whatever usage remained as a Schedule I drug (DEA, n.a.).


As the medical benefits of marijuana were under dispute, a survey conducted in

1991 revealed that 53% of American oncologists believed that it should be made legally

prescribe able to cancer chemotherapy patients, measuring their attitudes and experiences

towards this belief (Doblin & Kleiman, 1991). Two years after this, the American

Medical Student Association came forward unanimously requesting the Attorney

General, Janet Reno, to take heed of Francis Young‟s recommendation and reschedule

the drug, while at the same time requesting of President Clinton to re-open the

Compassionate IND program (Rosenfeld, 2010). Again in 1994 marijuana is kept in

Schedule I and again a petition was brought up calling for the re-scheduling of it, until it

was finally recognized in 1996 by California when they legalized the usage of medical

marijuana, even though the substance had followed the preceding case from the 1970s

and remaining as a Schedule I (Pacula, Chriqui, Reichmann & Terry-McElrath, 2002). In

the Proposition 215 it is stated that the cultivation and possession of marijuana was legal

for the patients and their primary caregivers under the recommendation of a physician.

This included the treatment for AIDS, cancer, muscular spasticity and migraines.

Two years later, political leaders called for the public to reject medical marijuana

on the basis that it undermined the legal processes conducted by the FDA in regulating

and approving new drugs and medicines. These politicians included the former Presidents

Ford, Carter and Bush. However this did not stop medical marijuana initiatives to spread

across the states (Joy & Mack, 2001). It was not long now until other states such as

Alaska, Oregon and Washington legalized medical marijuana (norml.org, n.a.).

Which in the UK the UK House of Lords Committee suggests the legalization of

medical marijuana as enough evidence exists on its beneficial properties. As Lord Perry


of Walton (1998) explained, “We have seen enough evidence to convince us that a doctor

might legitimately want to prescribe cannabis to relieve pain, or the symptoms of

multiple sclerosis (MS), and that the criminal law ought not to stand in the way”

(parilament.uk, 1998).

Alaska was the first state to mandate the registry of medical marijuana patients

into a system that protects them from any charges and discrimination made against them

by the law. It provides them with a valid identification card stating their need and rights

for their marijuana usage. This ensured that only relevant parties were able to access this

new medicine. Whereas the others who were not holding this card, would be unable to

argue their medical need of the drug, leaving them unprotected by the law (norml.org,

n.a.). In the same year, 1999, Canada shows its support for medical marijuana when

Canada Health reveals that they will be funding medical research on the topic (Joy &

Mack, 2001).

In the case of Conant v. Walters (2002), the US Government was denied an

appeal by the US Supreme Court to restrict physicians from discussing marijuana with

their patients. The government had threatened to revoke the license of those doctors that

recommended the usage of medical marijuana in their practices. With a grey line running

between the legality of marijuana as a medicine between states, matters were made

confusing with the Federal Government not recognizing it as a legal medical substance.

In 2003, the US House of Representatives decided to reject an amendment calling

for the stop of federal raids upon patients and providers of medical marijuana in the states

in which it had been accepted. It would have restricted the DEA from destroying plants,


close down clubs and place under arrest the state recognized marijuana patients and their

providers (Sullem, 2003). Meanwhile in Canada the first government grown marijuana is

passed to a HIV patient, starting the process of passing marijuana to the relevant and

approved patients for whom it had been recommended for (msnbc.com, 2003). Half-way

across the world in the Netherlands, medical marijuana is now to be supplied via

pharmacies. Over 2000 pharmacies became legally obliged to hold and supply customers

with advice and marijuana that was for the making of tea (Conway, 2003).

The new year in California began with patients being restricted to a certain

amount of possession, which stated that each of the respective individual was legally

entitled to „no more than eight ounces of dried marijuana‟ and „no more than six mature

or 12 immature marijuana plants‟ (Senate Bill 420, 2004). This however was later

suspended upon the grounds that Californian law required the consent of voters to

implement such laws. In 2005 there was a blow to potential marijuana patients when

California suspended the issuing of the Medical Marijuana ID Card Program under the

threat of the Federal Government when it was ruled that possessing and cultivating

marijuana was a federal offence. This was ruled by the US Supreme Court in the case

Angel v. Raich. This was short lasting as a review by the state attorney general revealed

that employees could not be prosecuted for just issuing the ID cards, and 10 days later the

program was resumed (Associated Press [AP], 2005).

While legal battles and obstacles were being fought and slowly overcome, a poll

conducted by the AARP concluded that 72% of American citizens of middle age and

above were in favor of legalizing marijuana for its medical uses (AP, 2004). Even with

these studies providing proof of apparent general support towards medically used


marijuana, the results of California sticking to its believe and regulations on the topic,

were seen at the end of 2005 when the most number of raids were carried out on

marijuana dispensaries within the state; all of which were authorized by the federal

government. There were no arrests made and the reason given was said that it was to

determine how much was being sold and who the suppliers were (Los Angeles Times,

2005). It wasn‟t till 2009 that the US Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that raids of

these kinds will not continue (Johnson, 2009).

In the years in between, medical marijuana began to receive support from different

angles when the Presbyterian Church approved a resolution in favor of supporting

medical marijuana. They urged the Federal Government to amend laws so as to allow the

prescription of marijuana for potential patients to access the benefits of this plant for the

treatment or relief of their ailments (Presbyterian Church, 2006). In February 2008 the

American College of Physicians (ACP) announced, via paper, its support on researching

marijuana for its medical purpose, its exemption from the law in relation to criminal

prosecution, on the rescheduling of it as a drug with narcotic benefits and also for the

non-smoked form of THC (ACP, 2008).

The following year the American Medical Association (AMA) decided to review

its stance on the scheduling of marijuana, suggesting under review to place it under the

Schedule II controlled substance list. Previously this had been rejected by them based

upon the grounds of pending results of further studies conducted to determine the medical

benefits of this particular plant (Noonan, 2010). As before mentioned, the AMSA

(American Medical Student Association) had already unanimously announced its stand

for the rescheduling of the substance back in 1993 (Rosenfeld, 2010). In 2010 the Iowa


Board of Pharmacy joins for making the recommendation of rescheduling marijuana,

placing it as a “high potential for abuse” drug but with accepted medical functions

(IDPH, 2010). Surprisingly, even with the recommendation by professional and national

medical and pharmaceutical associations, the US Attorneys in 2011 decided to send

warning letters to officials that implemented medical marijuana cultivation and

distribution programs. These states to which the letters were sent to included Arizona,

Colorado, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Washington and even Hawaii

(Gardner, 2011).

During the same time, the Israeli Health Ministry approved the supply and

supervision of marijuana through imports and local cultivation for its usage in medicine

and also for research purposes. This comes with the realization of its necessity within the

medical world in relation to applicable cases (Israeli Government, 2011).

In 2013 the US Court of Appeal once again rejected a challenge for the

rescheduling of the marijuana plant and its usages, basing the decision upon the same

claimed basis as the Federal Government had; that sufficiently reliable and 'adequate and

well-controlled studies' based on the medical efficiency of this drug did not exist (ASA,

2013).

It wasn‟t until August of 2013 that the US justice department stated its withdrawal

from challenging state marijuana laws. This is as long as it can be determined that an

appropriate and strict regulatory system is enforced within the concerning states.

Up till 2014 there was a financial and banking exclusion to the newly legal

marijuana business. The reason for this was due to the differences between the State and


Federal laws concerning the legality and acceptance of marijuana. This made it

impossible for the financial systems to legally participate or incorporate themselves into

this new industry. However this was changed early in the year as the industry is very

lucrative and in order to establish and enforce appropriate taxes, it became logical to

embark on the incorporation of the financial systems into the industry (fincen.com,

2014).

Interestingly, it was the South American country of Uruguay at the end of 2013

that has claimed the pioneering status for becoming the first country to fully legally

engage and indulge in marijuana on a large scale. Making it available to the citizens with

President Jose Mujica, supporting the changes and making clear the purpose for them.

A major factor that is eliminated through this reform is the illegal drug trade and

its drug traffickers that run the black market business. These traffickers are ruthless and

count only profits, leaving the average individual or user in a risky position. Other

aspects ensure that marijuana is properly regulated, generates revenue for the country and

lastly it helps to gain statistical information among others as the general notion includes

the plan of identifying individuals.

A main key aspect to the legalization of marijuana remains a solution to illegal

drug trafficking and syndicates, as the legal marijuana will be sold cheaper in comparison

to the black market prices (Romo, 2014)

The legalization of the plant in Uruguay also opens up the possibility for the export

industry to grow and flourish as medical marijuana is in short supply. There is a steady


need for it in a world that is slowly recognizing once again its usefulness and capability

of improving the quality of life for patients (Reuters, 2013)

In the newest poll taken within America in April 2015, the results show that more

than half the population is now for the legalization of marijuana at a total of 53%. The

Figure 2.2 shows the increase in support according to percentage over the years which

has from 1979 till today almost doubled (Ferner, 2015)

Figure 2.2

Figure 2.2, reprinted from CBS News Poll via The Huffington Post, 2015


2.3 Medical marijuana: it’s possible effects, legalization benefits and

suggested intake methods

Resulting non-medical statistical benefits from the legalization of medical marijuana

In 2011 a study was published highlighting an interesting statistical observation

has been made since the legalization of medical marijuana within relevant states. The

study showed that there was a significant drop in fatal car accidents since the legalization

took effect. A major attribute to this is linked to a reduction in drunk driving, suggesting

that a majority of people prefer the usage of marijuana to alcohol and are switching. The

researchers also found that there was no increase of teenage marijuana smoking with the

legalization act, and in fact it also decreased the amount of alcohol usage among college

aged youths (Szalavitz, 2011)

Possible effects of medical marijuana consumption and suggested intake methods

According to the WebMD website, reviewed by Arefa Cassoobhoy, MD, MPH,

there are several side effects that can result from the usage of medical marijuana. Most of

these are short term and will not last long, and include:

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Short-term memory loss

Euphoria

While more serious or longer side-effects can result in

Anxiety

http://www.webmd.com/arefa-cassoobhoy


Psychosis

These effects make it less suitable for particular individuals, who are advised to not

engage in this form of medicine and stands to include:

People with heart disease

People with a history of psychosis

Pregnant women

Due to these aspects it is best to seek professional medical advice on the

applications of medical marijuana and to obtain a medical marijuana card (Harding,

2013).

For the best method of intake to avoid any negative effects is here taken from the

Medical Marijuana.ca website (Canada) which states the following:

“Due to the carcinogenic nature of smoking marijuana we

don‟t encourage users to smoke it however we do suggest

alternative methods such as vaporizers, tinctures, or

cooking and baking.” (Medicalmarijuana.ca, n.d.)

According to a new study conducted by the University of Oxford and University

of Leeds in 2015, the usage of cannabis does not relate to or cause any increase in risk for

the development of psychosis (Shakoor et. al., 2015). These findings disprove this

commonly held believe and allows marijuana to further its progress positively with less

negativity hindering its developments as being implemented as a safe medication.

Another commonly related negative aspect to marijuana usage has been

Schizophrenia. This too has been disproven to be a risk factor of marijuana usage.


According to the Havard Medical School and the VA Boston Healthcare system who

conducted the study concluded that marijuana usage proved little to no connection to the

development of Schizophrenia within individuals (Grohol, 2013).


2.4 Current recognized prescription purposes approved for medical

marijuana usage

Medical Marijuana currently recognized as a prescription medication for the following

(USA, Canada):

Anorexia Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity

Arnold-Chiari malformation

& syringomyelia

Lou Gehrig's disease (Amyotrophic

lateral sclerosis, or ALS)

Arthritis Lupus

Ataxia Migraines

Cachexia (wasting

syndrome)

Multiple sclerosis

Cancer Muscular dystrophy

Cardiopulmonary

respiratory syndrome

Muscle spasms

Causalgia Myasthenia gravis

Chronic inflammatory

demyelinating

polyneuropathy

Myoclonus

Crohn's disease Nail-patella syndrome

DDD – Degenerative Disc

Disease

Nausea (including nausea due to

medication)

Decompensated cirrhosis Neurofibromatosis

Dystonia Neuropathy

Fibromyalgia Pain

Gerd – Gastroesophageal

Reflux Disease

Reflux Disease

Glaucoma Reflex sympathetic dystrophy


Hepatitis C Seizure Disorders/Epilepsy

HIV/AIDS Spasticity

Hospice patients Spinal cord disease and injury

Hydrocephalus Sjogren's syndrome

IBS – Irritable Bowel

Syndrome

Terminal illness if the physician has

determined a prognosis of less than 12

months of life

Interstitial cystitis Tourettes

(denverrelief.com, n.d. & leafly.com, n.d.)

http://www.denverrelief.com/

http://www.leafly.com/


2.5 Alcohol Vs. Tobacco Vs. Marijuana

Figure 2.5

Figure 2.5 reprint from wonkblog via Washingtonpost.com, 2015

The graph represents the findings of a comparative study done in 2015:

The study clearly highlights the dangers of alcohol at one end of the scale, but on

the other hand seems to be a substance that does not carry much relation to the others.

This is in respect to the findings and information shown on the lethality of the various

substances. This substance is marijuana, and according to the findings of the research

published in 2015, it is 144 times less dangerous than alcohol.


Whereas both alcohol and tobacco are within the range of „high risk‟ substances,

marijuana falls at the far end of „low risk‟ substances, clearly puting into perspective the

differences in risk concerning usage. The calculations used compared the lethal doses of

the substance to the amount that a typical person may use (Lachenmeier, Rehm, 2015)

“The oral dose required to kill a mouse has been found to

be about 40,000 times the dose required to produce typical

symptoms of intoxication in man” (Loewe, 1946).


2.6 The application of marijuana in the Islamic world (8th

– 19th

century)

In the Muslim world, cannabis known as hashish (grass) was not known for its

medical usage and the methods for the preparation of it was only introduced after the

period of the prophet Mohammed (A.D. 570-632). It wasn‟t till Arab scholars translated

the written Greek texts of Dioscorides and Galen during the 9th century that they became

aware of and familiar with the medicinal properties of marijuana.

However, marijuana faced numerous challenges in the Arab regions due to its

psychoactive properties. It is well established that alcohol known as Khamr (wine) is

exclusively prohibited in the holy Koran as was taught by the prophet. However there is

no record of reference to cannabis and its uses was mentioned by Rosenthal (1971).

In the 11th century, the Turkish Seljuk, captured Bagdad and the spread of

marijuana usage increased in popularity as it was seen as a form of strength for these new

rulers who made additional conquests and converts to the Muslim faith, while also

countering an invasion of crusaders. By the 12th century the plant had gained a religious

affiliation as the Sufis, a branch of Islam, used and suggested the plant for its divine

properties (which included appeasing thirst and hunger while inducing joy). Shaikh

Haidar, a religious Sufi leader, told his disciples that the “Almighty God has bestowed

upon you by a special favor the virtues of this plant, which will dissipate the shadows that

cloud your souls and brighten your spirits” as was published by Rosenthal in 1971. Most

Sufis were reportedly from the poorer class and had no access to the wine that was

commonly used by the upper-class despite the ban of alcohol directly existent in the holy

Quran.


Religiously, some Sufis stood by the claim that the herb brought insight, peace

and response, expanded consciousness and even resulted in closeness to God. Today it is

reportedly not a common or endorsed practice among them, due to several reasons as

reported by Khalifa (1975).

By the 13th century the usage had spread beyond medical and religious purposes

and the use of hashish among the general population of the Islamic world became

popular, stretching from Egypt all the way to Spain. During this period of time up till the

end of the Ottoman Empire in 1804, the usage of hashish was common within society and

the ruling class as well as the oppressed minorities. Whereas one group used it to enhance

their pleasure, the latter group used it as a form of escapism from the dreariness of daily

life and their state of living.

After having faced several challenges religious, social and politically motivated,

hashish usage was not openly challenged after the 14th century up until the 19

th century.

This is even after three of the major schools of Islam had labeled marijuana as another

„intoxicant‟ similar to alcohol and naming it illegal for usage within the Muslim faith and

any true Sunni Moslem.

The forth school however, the Hanafi, claimed that marijuana was not to be

labeled the same as „khamr‟ and that using hashish in small amounts or for medical

purposes is acceptable, but not for intoxication. As Dixon (1972) placed it, many people

of that time had similar ideas concerning hashish and its differences to wine and alcohol

in general.


Due to this common understanding and point of view held by the general public,

hashish usage among the common Muslim population remained strong for an extensive

period of time.


2.7 Medical uses of hashish (marijuana) in the Islamic world

Throughout all these centuries, from the first medical discoveries and advantages

of the plant till the 19th

century when it again became a topic of major dispute, hashish

was used extensively as a form of medication within the Arab regions and Islamic world.

Its uses had been expanded by Moslem physicians who found more uses for the plant

than they had at first discovered in the initial texts.

These included the application of marijuana as a medication for the ear, dandruff,

dissolving flatulence, epilepsy (al-Razi, 865-925), asthma, gonorrhea, constipation and

even as an antidote for poisoning (Rumphius, 1100). It was also used for inducing

appetite stimulation (al-Badri, 1251).

Information on „History of marijuana in Islam‟ and „Medical uses of hashish in the

Islamic world‟ extracted from „Hashish in Islam 9th

to 18th century‟ (Nahas, 1982).


2.8 Malaysian law and statistics concerning marijuana

Marijuana, as classified under the Laws of Malaysia can be found in Act 234

under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. In this act the sentencing for export of raw

cannabis is given at no more than 5 years but no less than 3, whereas for possession of

raw cannabis is given at no more than 5 years and/or a fine of up to RM 20,000. Planting

or cultivation of a cannabis plant can serve a sentence of life imprisonment upon

conviction and a minimum of six whippings. Import of cannabis may result in a hefty fine

of up to RM 100,000 and/or a prison term of no more than five years. A slightly lesser

sentence is reserved for self-administered cannabis users that would see them for up to

two years in prison or to a fine of no more than RM 5,000. On the other side of the

sentencing scale, however, lies the death penalty. Any individual, whether Malaysian or

not, if convicted as a drug trafficker will be condemned to death by the law.

In Malaysia, 200g of marijuana is enough to attain the title of a drug trafficker and

the penalty of death under Provision 39b of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1983. It is not an

uncommon practice for large scale trafficker to get the death sentence, as The Star

reported the case of a 36 year old Thai national that was convicted for „carrying more

than 18kg of cannabis‟ (The Star, 2013). The mother of a 10 year old daughter was

sentenced to the gallows. However, it does not have to be such an enormous amount.

There is one very significant and crucial case from 1991 in relation to this and

that must be taken into consideration for it holds high importance to this research paper,

as it is on the legal perception of medical marijuana in Malaysia. Kerry Wiley was

apprehended on the 4th of November 1989, on marijuana charges. He was an American, a


computer science lecturer, and a young man of 35 years in age, but with a severely

painful medical condition. After having fallen of a mountain slope in his youth, he

maintained severe pain in his shoulder, a pain that as he found out marijuana helped

relieve. Due to a tip off he was accused of mailing himself a packet of marijuana from

Thailand, a charge that did not stick but that had the effects of a house search warrant

being issued. In his apartment was found 265.7g of marijuana, enough for condemnation

to the afterlife.

During the trial, Dr. Lester Grinspoon a medical physician came forward in

defense of Kerry in relation to his medical need for marijuana. At length he fought his

grounds and the results were the first of its sort; the death penalty and drug trafficking

charges were reduced to 5 years imprisonment on personal possession charges of the

drug, with 10 strokes of the cane; which luckily were never carried out at the possible

request made by Dr. Grinspoon to the Prime Minister of that period, Tun Dr. Mahathir

(Grinspoon, n.d.).

The interesting fact of this case for which the ruling took place on the 17th January

1991 was that personal consumption could only be proven by using medical marijuana as

the basis of foundation. If medical marijuana can be accepted in court as a form of

medication that relieves pain and other symptoms, with the judgment passed based on

this, there is a legal ground upon which a new law may be passed in the future concerning

the uses of marijuana for medical purposes in this country.

Even as such strict laws and regulations are in force, the number of marijuana

users is relatively high as is shown in two separate studies for 2006 and for 2011. In


2006, according to a fact sheet released by UNICEF, Malaysia had 22,811 detected drug

users. Ganja aka marijuana was second highest on the list with 23.12% users of the total

number, after heroin and morphine which took up a total 60.73%.

The latest drug report, as released by the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA),

was for the year 2013 which saw a reduced percentage of overall drug users including a

drop in significant numbers for ganja. The report saw a drop to 15.96% in this category,

numbering 1,255 individuals out of the total recorded 7864 for that year. In comparison,

2009 saw the detection of 5,207 ganja related individuals, a significantly larger number.

Reasons as for this large variance in numbers may be attributed to several factors, not

necessarily reflecting the true numbers of users as these are reported individuals actually

caught and registered by the authorities.

There are no current laws on medical marijuana or on using marijuana for medical

purposes in Malaysia.


2.9 The history of marijuana in Malaysia and its current developments

2.9.1 Historical references of marijuana in Malaysia

One of the oldest records of marijuana or „ganja‟ to have been made in Malaysia

was within the historical manuscript „Hikayat Inderaputera‟. The manuscript that is based

on the adventures of the Prince Inderaputera is believed to have been written at the end of

the 17th century (Gallop, 2015). According to the findings, ganja was listed as one of the

plant species labeled under the section of „herbal plants and food plants‟ mentioned as

being found in Malay gardens (Zakaria, Salleh & Rashid, 2013).

In 1839 a new paper on the usages of marijuana in medical treatments was

presented by O‟Shaughnessy, assistant-surgeon and professor of Chemistry from the

Medical College of Calcutta. In this paper he made reference to the observation of “the

narcotic effects of Hemp” (in this case referring to Cannabis Indica) being “extensively

employed for a multitude of affections” within the “adjacent territories of the Malays”

who used it in their popular medicines.

In Malaysia, history shows that cannabis was used as traditional medicine in

various health aspects. The two most commonly mentioned applications were for the

treatment of leprosy and for the relief of asthma. For the treatment of leprosy cannabis

was macerated in alcohol together with the plant Hydnocarpus anthelmintica and used as

an application to the skin (Hutton, 2014). The treatment was known as „tai foong chee‟.

In the 1920‟s the usage of tai foong chee was publicized by The Straits Times,

1927, as a promising medicine for leprosy. It Stated of the its implementation and


successful results observed in the Leper Asylum, Kuala Lumpur, after the trial injections

of „Moogrol‟ were rejected by patients due to the resulting pain.

It was also recorded that “within Malaysia itself cannabis was used for the relief

of asthma by the indigenous natives” and was recorded prior to Malaysia's independence

or the British occupation (Gill, Rashid, Koh & Jawan, n.d.).

2.9.2 Tradition and marijuana in Malaysia

As relayed by Christian Rätsch in his book „Marijuana Medicine: A World Tour

of the Healing and Visionary Powers of Cannabis‟ the usage of cannabis indica was not

uncommon to Malaysian traditional healers known as Bomor, pawang or Poyang.

Referencing the works of Eliande (1975), he stated the incorporation of the plant into

various traditional medicines (Rätsch, 2001).

2.9.3 Drug decriminalization and rescheduling propositions

According to Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, chairman of the Malaysian AIDS

Foundation, it may be necessary to decriminalize drug usage in Malaysia if it wants to

achieve the further prevention of the HIV spread. She made clear her stance on this,

saying that despite the cultural and religious challenges, the relevant ministries needed to

openly deal with the issues. She also stated that there were challenges that need be faced

in order to discuss openly “what needs to be done for these groups” (Loh, 2013).


Similarly, in relation to possible decriminalization, the Minister Nancy Shukri of

the Prime Minister‟s Department claimed that the governmental enforced policy on drugs

was shifting towards seeking treatment for drug users rather than the prosecution of them.

She stated that changes in the approach of the authorities towards this matter could result

in a general reduction of drug dependants.

After the High-Level Panel Meeting on Drug Policy and Public health that was

organized by the Global Commission on Drugs in Kuala Lumpur, 2013, she was quoted

telling reporters that "instead of looking at drug dependants as criminals, we should look

at them as patients. Instead of bringing them to jail, we bring them to the clinic.”

(Themalaysianinsider.com, 2013).

In 2010 during a Parliamentary session, the then MP Zahrain Mohamed Hashim

posed a request for the Malaysian government to conduct studies and look into the

rescheduling of cannabis. The request was aimed at the Minister of Home Affairs and

was based on the less harmful nature of the plant. However, this request seems to have

never been adhered to or granted (Seshata, 2014).

2.9.4 Current efforts for marijuana in Malaysia

Recently in 2013 within Malaysia, a combined effort between local cannabis

enthusiast groups was made, headed by GENGGAM in collaboratiion with

TARGAS,Oh! and Ganja & Malaysia 420 Legalizers. Gathering at the historical city

square Dataran Merdeka, they held up a banner and handed out flyers to pedestrians.

After being requested to disperse by a polite traffic authority for not having a permit, the


group further collected in numbers rising above 20 and gathered again at the popular

shopping mall, The Curve. The movement aimed at educating the public on the benefits

of marijuana and its uses, as well as peacefully protesting against the current laws

concerned with the plant (The Hemperor's New Clothes, 2013).


2.10 Marijuana related research and surveys

Official research into the medical uses of marijuana has been known to be

conducted over decades now in countries all over the world. Below are made mention

some of these that proved to be significant in relation to this study and in forming

appropriate survey questions that it posed to its participants.

According to the CBS Poll of 2015 on illegal drugs and marijuana specifically,

results from the USA showed that a total of 53% of survey participants were for the

general legalization of marijuana. This result is taken from a population whereby a total

of 49% of participants had actually tried marijuana and showcases a positive regard in

general to the legalization of marijuana. This study was not limited to medical uses and

its acceptance but takes it a step beyond that as the medical benefits of marijuana and its

implementation has already been recognized within most states of the USA (CBS News

Poll, 2015). Instead it stands to show the positive regards attributed to marijuana and the

public‟s perception to legalizing it in general.

The second study that was found to be appropriate in relation to the research topic

was conducted by Wendy Swift at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre,

University of NSW and was in the regards of establishing experiences and attitudes held

by the research sample on the topic of marijuana and its medical uses (Swift, n.d.). In this

survey questions were asked as to why users had decided on using marijuana as well as

attempting to identify the specific medical conditions to which the participants claimed

marijuana had proved affective for. The purpose of the research paper was to indentify

and establishing new information concerning Australians and their approach and


perception to medical marijuana and its uses with the intention of using this information

to draw appropriate conclusions on the topic and its applicability within Australia.

The third research paper related to this topic of study was conducted in 2006 by

Douglas in Grenada. This research paper was on the „Use and Abuse among Young

People in Grenada‟ specifically on alcohol and marijuana. In this paper were identified

general reasons given by the participants on the usage of marijuana. The paper did not

specify on the medical aspects of marijuana but aimed to establish the causal aspect for

marijuana usage among the survey participants in general. A similar aspect is aimed to be

identified among locals within Malaysia and their reasons for having tried marijuana,

rendering the survey questions presented to the population in Grenada applicable to the

questions posed within this study of the Malaysian perception and contributing factors of

marijuana usage locally.

The forth research mentionable due to its appropriateness and similarity to this

research paper was the Goucher Poll of 2013. In this study it was found that 90% of

residents within Maryland, USA, were in support for medical marijuana legalization and

usage. This served the purpose of establishing a percentage determining the locals regard

to medical marijuana legalization and acceptance within their state; the same intentions as

this research paper holds in determining and clearly presenting the perception of the

Malaysian public residing in Selangor on the topic of legalization of medical marijuana

for potential patients within Malaysia.


2.11 Theoretical Framework

There are numerous factors involved in conducting this form of research

including legal status, public perception and opinion, politics and religion. In order to

effectively do so and to understand the results and questions that need answering, a series

of theories and frameworks can be used in order to analyze and organize a research paper

of this sort. As the topic revolves not just around the sensitivities of marijuana in general

but specifically on medical marijuana, the situations that arise can be much more

complicated and sophisticated. This is especially due to the fact that the general form of

marijuana is unacceptable in the eyes of the Malaysian law and is classified as a Schedule

1 drug, having gained no recognition for its medical uses and purpose within the

stipulation of the law.

It is due to this reason that the importance in conducting this research can be seen.

Marijuana is a substance that has entered negatively into the legal system on a basis that

can be questionable on several aspects including, its benefits having been proven in

global studies, an insufficient amount of conducted research on the topic within Malaysia,

and its relation to human rights and the right to free will.

These can be linked together with the responsibilities taken on by certain

recognized and respected professions and professionals within this country who have

sworn to protect and serve as best they can in comfort, legal matters, medical advice or

prescriptions, as well as on the behalf of an individual. In regards to this, it‟s the doctors,

lawyers and judges, and the head of the country, the Prime Minister, who hold the most


influence and the official ability to provide and build a pathway for the progression of

medical marijuana in Malaysia or at the least the recognition thereof.

This can be established when taking into account their sworn oath of duties to

fulfill as best they can their responsibilities and to not eliminate existing information,

cases or arguments when deciding on the best course of action to consider.

For instance the Hippocratic Oath that as applied by Malaysian doctors, reads as follows

(Khoo, 2014):

“I swear to fulfil, to the best of my ability and judgment,

this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those

physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such

knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that]

are required, avoiding those twin traps of over-

treatment and therapeutic nihilism.” (Lasagna, 1964)

This clearly places the responsibilities of a doctor into a category whereby he has

obliged himself to do and embrace the methods of proven medicine and medication, not

being able to disregard existing evidences when it comes to the matter of a patient‟s

health or wellbeing. Even less so if the matter is of greater complications or if disregard


causes potentially more harm or even possible death due to negligence of relevant

information existent in regards to medical practices and prescriptions.

Over the years, there have been several breakthrough research papers and studies

conducted on marijuana that have shown and proven the medical attributes and their

potential in regards to helping or healing patients where appropriately applied. Together

with these the usage of medical marijuana legally has begun to spread and take root in

several countries across the globe with several more following suite or starting their own

local based research. Taking into account that the medical benefits have been extensively

proven in relation to several medical aspects, it seems like there has been a new, or old,

medication to which doctors and patients alike can look towards.

According to the oath to which doctors bind themselves, it is their responsibility

to look into and test the aspects of any potentially useful medication that is possibly

available. Disregarding medical marijuana in the aspects of the Hippocratic Oath results

in physicians not adhering or respecting the hard-won scientific gains of others in whose

steps they are meant to be following. It also disables them from administering the best or

most effective medication to patients in need, robbing these particular patients of their

rights to the most effective medication in accordance to their situation or ailment.

Similarly the oath undertaken by Muslim physicians states that:

“To extend my hand of service to one and all, to the rich

and to the poor, to friend and foe alike, regardless of race,

religion or colour;


To hold human life as precious and sacred, and to protect

and honour it at all times and under all circumstances in

accordance with Thy Law;

To do my utmost to alleviate pain and misery, and to

comfort and counsel human beings in sickness and in

anxiety” (Iium.edu.my, n.d.)

The second considerable oath that can be linked to the usage and prescription of

medical marijuana and marijuana in general is in regards to honesty, legality and the

understanding and perception of not just the law but of right and wrong, basing

judgments upon facts and evidences. The group that is unable to deny this and who is by

profession bound to pass judgment and sentence based upon existent information and

evidence given, is found within the judicial system and consists mainly of lawyers and

judges. In accordance to the considerations a judge must take into account the fourth rule

as provided by the malaysianbar.org website, stating that a judge must decide upon cases

with total objectivity in order to reach a just and legally correct solution as far as humanly

possible (Booth, 2005). This was seen in practice with the case of the medical marijuana

patient Kerry Wiley when the judge decided sentence upon his medical aspects of using

marijuana. This case has been mentioned under section 2.8 of the Literature Review, and

will also be discussed in further details within section 5.2 of Discussion.

In addition for this research, the general theory of free will will be applied and

explored in general. As stated by Timothy O´Conner (2013) on this theory, most


philosophers attribute the right to free will based on its effects upon the situation,

outcome and the people that are involved, and usually according to established moral

responsibilities. This theory would be applicable towards the legalization of medical

marijuana in general as there seems to be no moral responsibilities that are broken if the

plant proves to be beneficial for certain patients and doctors prescribe it. Therefore the

free will and choice should be allowed to rest in the hands of the users. Overall, this has

been a very common argument in relation to drug usage by individuals, when there is no

harm caused to an outside party, it result in that case establishing further debate on

whether the substance causes self-harm, in the case of this research topic, medical

benefits.

The difference that lies in the legalization of marijuana in general and the case of

legalizing medical marijuana is in this; illegalizing marijuana in general and not allowing

the people to make their own free choice concerning its usage, basically only takes away

something that is not a necessity and purely an argument on free choice and its

restriction. The case with medical marijuana is that the people are taken away a source by

the authorities that could possibly be the only thing that helps them, essentially escalating

the case to not simple restriction, but to a depravation of a medically needed prescription

that could change the lives of people for which no other or only less effective alternatives

exist. In this regard, it is not merely a question of free will being restricted but instead the

restriction lies upon something that is needed, disregardful of its necessity, relating it to a

breech in human rights. This leads to the questionability of such actions and laws as

every person under the general understanding of human rights should be allowed to


participate freely in actions that benefit them, especially if medically proven and if no

harm is caused to any second or third party.

Due to this, the theories that will be focused on in this paper are based on the

understanding of democracy, Malaysia considering itself to be a democratic country;

engaging in general human rights efforts and equality (Nationsonline.org, n.d). One

factor of a democratic country is classified by its availability of choice, and whether or

not that choice is made available for the people. In an authoritarian country the choice is

made by someone in charge and the people are left to follow suit whether agreed upon or

not. Another factor is that the population should generally have the vote upon matters as

the elected leaders are only representatives of the people (Przeworski, 2003). As provided

by the governmental website jpm.gov.my (2014), the responsibilities of the Prime

Ministers Department of Malaysia stand to include the following:

“Ensuring that human resources, finances, equipments and

infrastructure are sufficient and appropriate at for the

respective Departments to carry out their roles and duties

effectively.”

“Assisting the public who are having problems with the

public administrative machinery for the treatment of

recovering and exploit unfounded complaints as being

input to government agencies to enhance accountability,

quality and productivity of public services.”

“Enhancement of knowledge, expertise, quality and

performance of officers in the civil service, statutory bodies


and local authorities that has involved in the fields of

judicial, legal and law enforcement to create a fair, efficient

and effective service through systematic and planned

training.”

“Ensuring the provision, interpretation and dissemination

of latest statistics that are of quality, more efficient and

effective for the establishment of development planning

policy implementation.”

These stipulations require the Prime Minister and his department to verify and

research any potential measures that could be taken into consideration for the country,

public services and the public‟s wellbeing. It also stands to include the making of policies

and the responsibility to appropriately train and educate relevant authorities on the update

of new found information and research results for which they have been placed in charge

of. When taken into the context of medical marijuana, it is the head of the government‟s

duty and his department‟s responsibility to adequately address the current stigma and

laws that surround it. In line with this, the fact that this topic can‟t and should not be

ignored is clearly displayed by the existence of relevant information regarding the usages,

regards and recommendations that have been given by the public, professionals and other

prominent figures, as well as the legal implementations and public opinion as collected

by this survey.

In Malaysia, there has been no room made for an alternative in the prospects of

using marijuana as a medication which may prove to be a great negativity to an important

part of the population.


Another generally supporting theory that will be focused on in a bit more detail in

relation to this topic is the Devine Command Theory. This theory states that the

perception of good or bad is decided and foretold by God or by the word or books of God

(Austin, 2006). This is a very important aspect to take into consideration when

undertaking this research topic in Malaysia. The reason for this being that the majority of

the Islamic sector consists of Sunni Muslims. This is important to know and understand

as Malaysia and its political and legal systems are heavily influenced by the religious

segments (Malik, 2012). In the interpretations of the Quran, the Sunni Muslims had

classified „khamr‟, literally meaning wine, to be adapted to any other substance that may

cause a change in physical or mental state when administered to the body (Nahas, 1982).

In this aspect, it becomes a religious obstacle concerned with interpretations on the words

given by God in the Quran, and ultimately the power of the government designates the

extent of this affecting any potential advancement that medical marijuana may have to

offer to this country.

If sufficient prove and knowledge exists in order to be able to create a clear and

truthful picture of this topic, then it should thus be analyzed and appropriately decided

upon without being biased towards or against it. This can be achieved by taking into

account the above mentioned theories, oaths and the understanding of the responsibilities

held by relevant authorities. It is also important to disregard factors that do not have

direct connection or effect upon the situation, such as those that may stand to place the

importance of the healthcare and medical system and services made available for patients

as a secondary consideration. In this instance these include religion, politics and a lack of

education/understanding, which in Malaysia has been proven to be very prominent


influences in the past decision making processes and among most arising situations and

cases.


3.0 Survey Methodology

The purpose of this research is to examine the perceptions that Malaysians hold

on the topic of Medical Marijuana. Marijuana is the most commonly tried illegal drug in

the world, and is familiar to most people by at least name (Nolan, 2014). According to

the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA), marijuana is still among the top three most

used illegal substances in Malaysia after heroin and morphine, 2013. Using the gathered

information on the public‟s perception on this drug and their knowledge concerning its

potential usage, a clearer understanding for the future of this plant is hoped to be

achieved and to be presented accordingly. The method of establishing this information

will be achieved through the release of a public survey. Consisting of 150 voluntary

participants it was distributed and collected via online (110 softcopy) and offline (40

hardcopy) means. Using the non-probability convenience sampling method and snow ball

effect, the collected data and information was appropriately categorized and organized

using the constant comparative technique for qualitative answers (7+1) whereas the

quantitative responses (15) were quantified and represented accordingly.


3.1 Research Instrument

This paper aims to be the stepping stone of breakthrough information concerning

Malaysians and marijuana; the main context focusing on its medical uses and its potential

in Malaysia. This will be achieved through the accumulation of useful information,

collected via a public survey, gathered from the public and citizens residing in the state of

Selangor. This chosen population will serve as the focus group for the purpose of this

research paper. The information and opinions by participants were collected via survey of

150 voluntary respondents, primarily softcopy based online with 110/150 participants,

while 40/150 of them participated via hardcopy distributed in the SEGi University

campus, KD, Selangor.

The method chosen for conducting this study and attaining the needed

information is through the usage and implementation of a single survey. It incorporates a

series of close-ended quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions that will aim at

gaining specific knowledge and information, perception and opinions, as well as levels of

acceptance and support on the topic of medical marijuana and its legalization in

Malaysia. These qualitative questions are straightforward `yes or no` based or multiple

choice questions offering the possibility of more than just one answer. A number of these

require the participant to elaborate or state the reasons for choosing that particular

answer; this being done to attain a clearer perception and understanding of the

respondent‟s angle on the topic and on the various parts that the survey touches on.

In total the survey contains 15 quantitative questions of which 7 have qualitative

attributes that focus on determining the level of understanding the question as well as to


gain insight as to why that particular answer was opted for. An additional question of

qualitative nature is incorporated at the beginning of the survey serving the purpose of

determining the basic level of comprehension between respondents on what they

understand/know about medical marijuana or the topic thereof. This question is not

counted as part of the overall 15 questions as it does not seek to test any particular

statistical aspect, but instead offers the participants the opportunity to explain their

understanding and regard to the topic. This provides a clearer idea of the difference in the

mindset and level of understanding of the respondents.

The survey can therefore be segregated into 3 parts according to respondent

relevance, with the first being the Introductory Question whereby all respondents are

required to provide a brief assessment of what they understand, perceive or know about

medical marijuana in general. The second part according to participant relevance is

refined to the user group only, here defined as respondents that have previously tried

marijuana or are currently still engaging its usage, and includes the questions 2 to 7. The

third part of the survey according to relevance includes all participants and includes the

questions 1, 2 and 8 to 15.

Similarly there are 3 sub-categories that can be identified, the first being on

maijuana in general and includes the questions 1 to 9. The second section is concerned

with medical marijuana in general and includes the questions 10 to 13. The last

identifiable sub-section is concerned specifically with marijuana in regards to Malaysia.


3.2 Objective of survey questions

The survey questions can be split into 3 categories in regards to their objectivity. These

are as follows;

Category 1 - Questions that touch on general information used for assessing and

determining the perception towards medical marijuana and marijuana in general

according to usage and legality.

Questions include:

Introductory Question

Questions 2 to 5, 11, 13 & 14

Category 2 – Questions regarding marijuana specifically, its medical benefits, usage

purposes and the perception held towards it in regards to addressing Research Question 1

Questions include:

Questions 1, 6 to 10 & 12

Category 3 – Questions regarding the possible legalization of medical marijuana within

Malaysia according to survey respondents in regards to addressing Research Question 2

Questions include:

Question 15


3.3 Research Sample

Malaysia as a country is made up of fourteen individual states, with the capitol

city of Kuala Lumpur located within the region of the Klang Valley. The Klang valley

comprises of the two states of Selangor and the Federal Territory. The Federal Territory

is surrounded by the state of Selangor which holds several important attributes making it

of great importance economically, socially and politically, including the

(Geographia.com, n.d.);

Largest economy in terms of GDP

Most developed with good infrastructure

Lowest poverty rate

Largest population in Malaysia (Heritage.org, n.d.)

These factors are important in considering the research sample in various aspects.

The main reason being that the topic of research is for the further development and

possible implementation of alternative medication, a discussion appropriate and relevant

for the scene of a progressive and fast developing state that is capable of focusing its

energy into the newest, fastest and safest developmental aspects of socially important

industries, including the medical and healthcare system meant for the people. It also

focuses on the society‟s perception and attitude towards marijuana, a Schedule 1 drug.

The effects of this status results in the topic being controversial and difficult to discuss

and research, leaving few opportunities for its status to be reviewed and reconsidered,

targeting the generally most developed and progressive population of a nation ensures

that the results of studies and research are not ignored or dismissed as being of less

significance. A developed state with a good economy allows progression for new


research and ideas to be put forward which allows the country to further develop itself in

the aspects social, political and internationally.

The research sample for this study will therefore consist of residents living in

Selangor, specifically Malaysian and over the age of 18. The focus is kept on Malaysians

as it is in their power to decide upon considerable change, acceptance or denial when

concerned with matters of Malaysian law and practice. Therefore it is of great importance

for the credibility and compatibility of the study to be of direct relation to the citizens of

the country. The age group will include the ages 18 and above, ranging from young

adults onwards as they will be the most likely to have experienced or encountered,

personally or through other means, the topic of marijuana and its medical benefits. The

age 18 was also chosen due to the following factors;

The Age of Majority Act 1971, Malaysia, clearly states:

„the minority of all males and females shall cease and

determine within Malaysia at the age of eighteen years and

every such male and female attaining that age shall be of

the age of majority‟

18 is also the legal age for;

- Cigarette purchase and smoking

- Alcohol purchase

- „the religion and religious rites and usages of any class of persons within

Malaysia‟ (Age of Majority Act 1971)


- Marriage, unless concerning a Muslim girl (age 16) and approved by the Syariah

Court (Azizan 2013)

- Legal consent for decision making regarding personal medical treatments

(Zainudin, Rahim & Roslan, 2013)

Demographic table for survey participant categorization

Table 3.3: Sampling criteria

Age Sex Nationality State of residence Occupation Student of

18≤ Male Malaysian Selangor Student

Current

University

Female

Working

Non-working


3.4 Method of survey distribution and collection

As afore mentioned, the survey distribution commenced via the usage of two

separate media types using two separate platforms. The first and more extensively used

media was digital, utilizing and focusing on the social network „Facebook‟ as the main

platform to spread the survey online. This was done using the non-probability

convenience sampling method, whilst promoting the snowball effect of encouraging

second and third parties to further spread the survey reach in order to attain a higher

participation number. This proved to be successful and effective as most initial

respondents reacted positively to sharing the survey link to their peers and others. The

application used to create the online survey version was Google Forms, allowing the link

to the survey to be copied and pasted, significantly simplifying the method of widely

distributing the survey online. In total 110 (one hundred and ten) responses were

achieved and collected over a two month period via the online platform between the dates

14th October 2014 – 14

th December 2014.

The second method of handing out hardcopies also employed the non-probability

convenience sampling approach whilst also promoting the use of the snowball effect,

whereby respondents were allowed and encouraged to further pass on survey forms to

individuals after having participated themselves. In total, 40 (forty) respondents were

collected via this method bringing the collective total of online and offline responses that

fall within the stipulated research sample to a 150 (one hundred and fifty).

As both media for distribution and collection are based on non-probability

sampling methods, it allows and encourages any voluntary person to participate in the


survey with no hindrance. The collectively collected data was then combined and sorted

using Microsoft Excel. The results were categorized and analyzed according to the

respondents answers; quantitative data being quantified, categorized and presented in the

form of tables, pie charts and bar charts whereas the qualitative answers were categorized

using the constant comparative technique, are presented in the forms of tables whereby

categories are set based upon common answers or the understanding that respondents had

of the question. For qualitative answers, pie charts and bar charts are also incorporated

into the presenting of the collected data where appropriate and relevant.

All collected information is anonymous, private and confidential with

participation being voluntary with being unbiased towards gender, race, religion,

occupation and social status.


3.5 Method for data categorization & analysis

The collected data is sorted and displayed as graphs, charts and tables for a clean

and understandable layout of information. The data obtained through the quantitative

questions are directly translated into tables and charts by quantifying the responses,

displaying clear and definite results easy to interpret and analyze. The data that was

collected via the qualitative questions will apply the constant comparative technique for

categorization in order to showcase the findings appropriately. They will first be split

accordingly into larger common categories (i.e. definition, opinion, medical benefits,

external factors) which will then be subsequently broken down further according to

specifics or common denominators of the collected responses. This qualitative data that

will be attained will serve the purpose of finding similar patterns of thought, perception

and reaction towards the topic of medical marijuana and what is thought of it. This

information will be used and interpreted to form an informed general perspective of

public opinion, either positive or negative. Above all it hopes to shed new insight on this

topic, how it is perceived and also to discover new information for future referencing.

Analyzing the research sample‟s responses to the survey questions, a clearer

understanding and picture should be made available allowing a hint at the understanding

of, and also the readiness of the public to accept and integrate marijuana into the medical

and healthcare systems of Malaysia.


4.0 Survey Findings and Analysis

4.1 Survey Facts

Table 4.1.1

Keys

Respondents r.

Rough estimate of

respondent number r.* , e.r.

For example;

Total survey participants 150r.

-110 online (primarily through Facebook)

-40 hardcopy (primarily in SEGi University)

Data collection period: 14th Oct 2014 - 14th December 2014 (two months)


4.2 Demography of respondents

State of residence: Selangor

4.2.1 Age analysis and breakdown

Age range: 18 – 61

Mean: 25.81

Median: 24

Mode: 23

4.2.2 Age Group Analysis

Table 4.2.2: Age group analysis

Age group (Range 18 - 61) No. of participants Percentage

18-20 11 7%

21-30 117 78%

31-40 16 11%

41-50 3 2%

51-60 2 1%

61≤ 1 1%


Graph 4.2.2

The Age of Majority Act 1971, Malaysia, clearly states:

„the minority of all males and females shall cease and determine within Malaysia at the

age of eighteen years and every such male and female attaining that age shall be of the

age of majority‟

The main contributing factor for choosing the age 18 and above for the participation

within this survey was due to fact that within Malaysia it provides the:

- legal consent for decision making regarding personal medical treatments

(Zainudin, Rahim & Roslan, 2013)

This means that any individual above the age of 18 is allowed to determine the course of

medication and treatment that they wish to undertake in order to gain relief or treatment

from any medical condition or symptom.


4.2.3 Gender breakdown

Table 4.2.3

Sex No. of respondents Percentage

Male 80 53%

Female 70 47%

Chart 4.2.3

There was an almost equal ratio of female to male participants

- ratio 7:8 (female : male)

53%

47%

Male & Female Respondents (%)

Male, 80r.

Female, 70r.


4.2.4 Occupational status and employment

Table 4.2.4: Occupational status

Occupation No. of respondents Percentage

Student 66 44%

full-time profession 73 49%

not working/part-time 11 7%

Chart 4.2.4

49% of the total survey respondents are working individuals, comprising the majority of

the sample population

- Professions range from top leadership roles, educators, analysts, trainers to F&B

services providers, writers, babysitters and doctors

44%

49%

7%

Occupation (%)

student, 66r.

full-time profession, 73r.

not working/part-time,11r.


44% of total participants were students

- Wide variation in field of study and universities

- Comprised of a good representation of the future working generation and decision

makers

When graduated these students could be doctors, lawyers or politicians all of which are

respected in their field of knowledge and hold a certain amount of influence to the

ordinary person

7% of total participants were unemployed (not-working) or working part-time making up

the minority of the sample population

- Includes graduates, post graduates, freelancers, and retired individuals


4.3 Findings according to total respondent numbers

General experience and perception – an introductory question

Please state what you understand about medical marijuana: (150r.)

Table 4.3.A

Respondents answers on

understanding medical

marijuana according to Category

No. of

respondents (r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized by

Comprehension/

definition 121 62%

Opinion 21 11%

Treatable medical

ailments 52 27%

Chart 4.3.A

62% 11%

27%

Respondents answers according to

Comprehension/definition,119r.

Opinion, 20r.

Treatable medicalailments, 52r.


Further breakdown of information according to category

Table 4.3.A.1


medical marijuana according

to

Comprehension/

Definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

don‟t know/not

sure/not much 21 17%

a drug/illegal

(Malaysia) 20 17%

marijuana/drug

for medical

purposes/clinical

use 57 47%

Plant/Natural

substance with

medical

properties 23 19%

62% (119e.r.) of total responses made are according to comprehension, thereof;

17% (20e.r.) focused upon the negative stigma that marijuana has acquired in general,

labeling it simply as a drug and illegal substance (in Malaysia)

47% (57e.r.) focused on the positive aspect of marijuana‟s medical uses

- Stated that medical marijuana is marijuana or a drug that contains medical

properties and is incorporated into clinical usage


19% (23e.r.) focused on the positive and natural aspect of marijuana, it being a plant and

natural substance that contains medical properties and benefits

Table 4.3.A.2


medical marijuana

according to Opinion

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

harmful/hazardous

to health if

overused 2 9%

harmless or less

harmful than other

drugs 7 33%

good or great 5 24%

high inducing 4 19%

creativity

inducing 1 5%

an aid to self-

realization 2 10%

11% (19e.r.) of total respondents answered according to opinion, thereof;

Split into 3 – positive, negative and neutral

1. Positive:

33% (7e.r.) mentioned medical marijuana as harmless or as less harmful than other drugs

24% (5e.r.) mentioned medical marijuana as being good or great

5% (1e.r.) mentioned medical marijuana as helpful with inducing creativity

10% (2e.r.) mentioned medical marijuana as being an aid to self-realization


2. Negative:

9% (2e.r.) mentioned medical marijuana as being harmful or hazardous to health if

overused

3. Neutral:

19% (4e.r.) mentioned medical marijuana as a high inducer. This can be both perceived

as positive and as a negative aspect dependent upon the respondent‟s intention and

reasoning


Table 4.3.A.3


medical marijuana according

to

Medical

ailments

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as helping with Pain 15 29%

Cancer 15 29%

anxiety/stress,

induce

relaxation

12 23%

glaucoma 3 5%

seizures 2 4%

neurological

problems 2 4%

migraines 1 2%

arthritis 1 2%

menstrual

cramps 1 2%

27% (52e.r.) of total respondents answered within this category, thereof;

77% (40e.r.) of responses were according to medical ailments concerned with physical

pain and discomfort

23% (12e.r.) of responses were according to medical ailments concerned with the mental

state of mind


1. What do you currently personally regard marijuana as? More than one answer

permitted. (150r.)

Table 4.3.1

Chart 4.3.1

1%

14%

29%

25%

18%

12%

1%

What respondents regard marijuana as (%) Blank, 2r.

Illegal drug, 53r.

Plant, 105r.

Medicine, 92r.

Recreational drug, 67r.

Spiritual aid, 44r.

Don't know, 2r.

Answers No. of respondents Percentage

Blank 2 1%

Illegal drug 53 14%

Plant 105 29%

Medicine 92 25%

Recreational drug 67 18%

Spiritual aid 44 12%

Don't know 2 1%


Graph 1

Negative regard towards marijuana in general:

14% (53r.) of responses labeled marijuana as an „illegal drug‟

18% (67r.) of responses labeled marijuana as a „recreational drug‟

- In Malaysia all usage is considered recreational by law and is illegal

Positive regard towards marijuana in general:

29% (105r.) of responses labeled marijuana as a „plant‟

- Natural substance with no added or altered chemical compounds

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

What respondents regard marijuana as

No. ofrespondent


25% (92r.) responded „medicine‟

- Second highest regard of marijuana according to the survey respondents (25% of

total answers) after the fact that marijuana is a plant (29% of total answers)

12% (44r.) responded „spiritual aid‟

- Marijuana has been used for thousands of years for religious and spiritual

purposes, varying between religions and sectors

Number of respondents that regard marijuana as medicine compared to number of

respondents that do not regard it as medicine (others)

Table 4.3.1.1


Medicine 92 61%

Others 58 39%


Chart 4.3.1.1

61% (92r.) of total respondents regard marijuana as medicine

- Significantly more than half of the total respondents

61%

39%

Respondents that consider marijuana as medicine compared to others (%)

Medicine, 92r.

Others only, 58r.


2. Keeping in mind that all of your answers in this survey are confidential, have you,

yourself ever happened to try marijuana? (150r.)

Table 4.3.2


Have tried 100 67%

Haven't tried 50 33%

Chart 4.3.2

67% (100r.) of total respondents have tried marijuana at least once before

- Encompasses 2/3 (three quarters) of total sample population

33% (50r.) of total respondents have not tried marijuana

- Includes 1/3 (one third) of total sample population

Ratio of users to non-users

- 2:1

67%

33%

Respondents that have/have not tried marijuana (%)

Have tried, 100r.

Haven't tried, 50r.


User group only

3. If „Yes‟ what was/is your method of intake? More than one answer permitted. (100r.)

Table 4.3.3

Answers

No. of

respondents Percentage

Ingestion via food or drink 4 4%

Smoking 42 42%

Both 54 54%

Chart 4.3.3

4% (4r.) of total respondents answered with only „ingestion via food or drink‟

- Ingested orally by infusing marijuana into food or drinks

- Suitable for non-smokers and acceptable intake method for wider age range

42% (42r.) responded with only smoking

- Easily available and does not need to be processed before usage

4%

42% 54%

Method of Intake (%)

Ingestion via food ordrink, 4r.

Smoking, 42r.

Both, 54r.


54% (54r.) responded as having tried both

- Encompasses more than half the respondents


4. If both, which did/do you prefer? (54r.)

Table 4.3.4


Smoking 23 43%

Ingestion via food or drink 11 20%

Equally 18 33%

Did not respond 2 4%

Chart 4.3.4

This information may help in determining the legalization/prescription process for

potential patients

- Dependent on the social and political acceptance of marijuana for medical use,

marijuana may be made available for intake via various forms best suited to the

individual and their situation

43%

20%

33%

4%

Preferred method of Intake (%)

Smoking, 23r.

Ingestion via food or drink, 11r.

Equally, 18r.

Did not respond, 2r.


5. How often do/did you use marijuana? (100r.)

Table 4.3.5


Daily 32 32%

Weekly 10 10%

Monthly 18 18%

Yearly 11 11%

Only tried it 28 28%


Chart 4.3.5

32% (32r.) of total respondents admitted to using marijuana daily

- Highest percentage in terms of usage frequency

- Displays a very high usage commitment

32%

10%

18%

11%

28%

1%

Frequency of Usage (%)

Daily, 32r.

Weekly, 10r.

Monthly, 18r.

Yearly, 11r.

Only tried it, 28r.



10% (10r.) of total respondents admitted to using marijuana weekly

- Lowest percentile for usage frequency

- Lower usage commitment

18% (18%) of respondents admitted to using marijuana monthly

- Low or no usage commitment

- Usage may be based on situational aspects (recreational, medical, availability)

11% (11r.) of respondents admitted to using marijuana yearly

- No usage commitment

- Acceptant of marijuana usage and personal experience with it

28% (28r.) responded to having only tried it

- No usage commitment but was accepting to try it


6. What is/has been a major contributing factor for your personal use of marijuana?

More than one answer permitted. (100r.)

Table 4.3.6


Curiosity 46 22%

Relaxation 78 38%

As a form of medication 30 15%

Spiritual aid 36 18%

Peer pressure 14 7%

Chart 4.3.6

38% (78r.) of total responses are according to relaxation

- Relatable to medical aspects of marijuana usage

22%

38%

15%

18%

7%

Contributing factors for usage

Curiosity, 46r.

Relaxation, 78r.

As a form ofmedication, 30r.

Spiritual aid, 36r.

Peer pressure, 14r.


15% (30r.) of total responses are according to using marijuana as a form of medication

- Includes individuals that have only tried marijuana

18% (36r.) of total responses are according to using marijuana as a form of spiritual aid

Graph 4.3.6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Contributing factors for usage

No. ofrespondents


Respondents that mentioned a major contributing factor to usage as being medically

inspired compared to respondents that did not make mention of using marijuana for its

medical aspects

Chart 4.3.6

30% (30r.) of total respondents stated marijuana „as a form of medication‟ as being a

major contributing factor to usage

- Willing to risk trying/using an illegal Schedule 1 drug for its medical properties

30%

70%

Respondents that mentioned a major contributing factor to marijuana usage as

medically vs. others

Medical aspects, 30r.

Others, 70r.


If you are still using marijuana, why do you continue to do so? Please elaborate: (57r.)

Table 4.3.6.A.

Respondents answers on still

using marijuana according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

Medical/health

aspects 43 54%

Self-

improvement/

personal

agendas 26 32%

External factors 11 14%

57r. out of 71r. that comprise of appropriate participants to this question responded

- reason for reduced participation may be due to answers being the same as gwere

given for the quantitative aspect of Question 6

Medical/health aspects

54% (43e.r.) of the total responses

- comprises the majority of reasons for continues marijuana usage


Table 4.3.6.A.1


still using marijuana

according to

Medical/Health

aspects

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

medical/health

benefits 3 6%

anxiety/stress

release or helping

to induce

relaxation/

happiness 29 69%

prevent

insomnia/sleep

inducing 6 14%

pain

relieve/suppression 2 5%

menstrual cramp

relieve 1 2%

appetite

enhancement 1 2%

cancer prevention 1 2%

54% (43e.r.) of total responses were in-line with medical and health aspects

- Respondents provided a variety of medical aspects for which they linked personal

affiliation towards in regard to their own usage


Table 4.3.6.A.2


still using marijuana

according to

Self-improvement/

personal agendas

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized by

quitting/cutting down

on nicotine/tobacco 2 8%

self-esteem

improvement/sanity/

blending with society/

accepting the

world/therapy 5 19%

higher state of

mind/spiritual

elevation/improved

quality of life 4 15%

creativity/focus/thought

reflection 3 11%

no reason to stop/why

not/liking it 8 31%

Habit 2 8%

the high 2 8%

Positive aspects make up for 43% (14e.r.) of total answers for this category, thereof;

8% (2e.r.) of responses mentioned quitting and cutting down on nicotine and tobacco as a

personal reason for marijuana usage


15% (4e.r.) of responses mentioned reaching a higher state of mind and spirituality while

also improving the quality of life for the individual as a personal factor for marijuana

usage

Neutral aspects make up for 39% (10e.r.) of total answers in this category, thereof;

31% (8e.r.) of responses mentioned seeing no reason or have no reasons to stop using

marijuana

8% (2e.r.) of responses mention the high as the factor for continuous marijuana usage

- Neutral dependent on intention of user and its effects on the individual


Table 4.3.6.A.3

Respondents answers on still

using marijuana according to

External

factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as a plant 1 9%

harmless/better

by comparison 2 18%

cheaper

(alcohol) 2 18%

recreational 5 46%

peer pressure 1 9%

Definition:

9% (1r.) of responses mentioned marijuana as being a plant (natural substance)

Comparisons:

18% (2r.) of responses mentioned that marijuana is more harmless and considered a

better substance for intake than tobacco and alcohol


7. In your opinion, does/did marijuana use have any medical benefits for you?

Condition should be medically diagnosable/identifiable by a doctor. (100r.)

Table 4.3.7


Yes 46 46%

No 17 17%

Don't know 32 32%


Chart 4.3.7

Question to determine if respondents benefitted medically from their marijuana usage.

Medically was here defined as to being at least identifiable by a doctor, to which;

46% (46r.) responded with „Yes‟

- Marijuana personally benefitted them medically according to their opinion

46%

17%

32%

5%

Did marijuana benefit you medically (%)

Yes, 46r.

No, 17r.

Don't know, 32r.



17% (17r.) responded with „No‟

- Marijuana did not personally benefit them medically

32% (32r.) responded with „Don‟t know‟

- Are unsure of whether or not marijuana had any identifiable medical benefits for

them


Question Eight (users and non-users combined)

8. Do you believe marijuana consumption, if legal, to be generally dangerous? (150r.)

Table 4.3.8


Yes 54 36%

No 94 63%

Didn't respond 2 1%

Chart 4.3.8

Question specifies on the factor of „legality‟ and emphasizes on the fact of „if legal‟ and

„generally dangerous‟

36% (54r.) responded with „Yes‟ marijuana is generally dangerous

- Makes up just over one third of the total responses given

36%

63%

1%

Respondents answers on marijuana being generally dangerous (%)

Yes, 54r.

No, 94r.

Didn't respond, 2r.


63% (94r.) responded with „No‟ marijuana is not generally dangerous

- Makes up close to two third of the total responses given

- Significant and clear margin difference between the two opposing opinions, 27%

(40r.)

Please elaborate your answer: (Yes, 54r.)

Table 4.3.8.A


marijuana being generally

dangerous according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as blank 2 3%

definition 1 1%

opinion 51 68%

effects on state

of mind/focus 12 16%

medical/health

concerns 3 4%

improvement/

exception 6 8%

68% (51e.r.) of total negative responses are opinion based and hold minimal to no

evidence to their claim


16% (12e.r.) of total negative responses mention the psychological effects on the state of

mind and ability to focus that make marijuana a dangerous substance

4% (3e.r.) of total negative responses mention the medical and health concerns reasons

for marijuana being generally dangerous

Interestingly 8% (6e.r.) of total negative responses mentioned suggestions for

improvement or exceptions to the apparent dangers of marijuana which could help the

general progression and outlook of the substance

Table 4.3.8.A.1



dangerous according to

Failure to

respond

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers

categorized as Blank 2

Table 4.3.8.A.2




Definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*)


marijuana categorized as foreign property 1

1% (1e.r.) of responses are according to definition, classifying marijuana as a foreign

property to the body

- Based on the notion that foreign substances in the body can and will cause harm


Table 4.3.8.A.3



dangerous according to Opinion

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage


marijuana categorized as

dangerous/bad

for health 21 41%

abused 19 37%

addictive 8 16%

similar to

alcohol 1 2%

a gateway drug 1 2%

too many high

people 1 2%

68% (51e.r.) of total negative responses are opinion based and hold minimal to no

evidence to their claim

41% (21e.r.) of responses within this category responded with the general opinion of

marijuana being dangerous and bad for health or for instigating possible health issues

- No specifics were given as to what possible medical or health issues may result


37% (19e.r.) of responses within this category gave reason to the general dangers of

marijuana for its potential abuse

- Abuse of marijuana is perceived to be achieved through several means, including;

o Overuse

o Misuse

o Becoming addicted

16% (8e.r.) of responses within this category gave reasons for marijuana being dangerous

by labeling it addictive

2% (1e.r.) of responses within this category gave reason based on the claim that

marijuana is similar to alcohol

- Marijuana should not be categorized the same as alcohol according to the Hanafi,

one of the four Islamic schools (Dixon, 1972)


Table 4.3.8.A.4




Effects on state of

mind/focus

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage


marijuana categorized by being distracting 4 34%

hampering

machine

operations/decision

making 4 33%

causing

memory/thought

impairment 4 33%

33% (4e.r.) of respondents answered that marijuana was dangerous as it caused memory

and thought impairments

Table 4.3.8.A.5




Medical/Health

concerns

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage


marijuana categorized as

causing appetite loss 1 34%

schizophrenia/

psychotic

disorders 1 33%

paranoia/anxiety 1 33%


4% (3e.r.) of responses fall within this category, thereof;

1e.r. responded with marijuana as being dangerous due to inducing appetite loss

(research)

- Contradictory to common effects and believes that marijuana usage results in the

„munchies‟ and build-up of appetite

- A common use of medical marijuana is its usage for appetite stimulation and

enhancement

1e.r. responded with marijuana as dangerous as it initiated and caused psychological

issues such as schizophrenia and psychotic disorders

- Predisposed individuals with high potential psychoses should not engage in

medical marijuana (Harding, 2013)

- However the link between marijuana usage and psychosis has been disproven

1e.r. responded with marijuana as dangerous as it may induce paranoia and anxiety


Table 4.3.8.A.6



dangerous with

intentions/suggestions for

Improvement/

Exception

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

not proven/need

more research 2 33%

regulations can

minimize danger 2 33%

tax could bring

revenue 1 17%

medically

acceptable 1 17%

8% (6e.r.) of responses fall within this category despite respondents labeling marijuana as

generally dangerous, thereof;

33% (2e.r.) of responses were according to marijuana being generally dangerous with the

exception of, or suggested improvement towards information availability

- Conduct and release more local research to counter the claim of it not being

proven and to provide clear materials that justify its usage medically and its

effectiveness

33% (2e.r.) of responses were according to the dangers of marijuana that could be

reduced with

- The proper implementation of laws and regulations


17% (1e.r.) of responses were according to the consideration of

- Tax on legal marijuana could bring in revenue

- Financial growth and development for the country could be achieved via the

legalization of marijuana for medical purposes

17% (1e.r.) of respondents answered that marijuana was dangerous with the exception of

- Marijuana‟s medical uses


Please elaborate your answer: (No, 94r.)

Table 4.3.8.B


marijuana not being

generally dangerous

according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as blank 2 1%

definition 15 10%

knowledge/fact

base 31 20%

uses 20 13%

opinion 30 20%

comparison 21 14%

suggestion 27 18%

negative aspects 6 4%

20% (31e.r.) of responses are according to knowledge and facts based on research or

acquired information that can be supported through findings and studies

13% (20e.r.) of responses are answered according to the uses of marijuana that have

proven beneficial or harmless to individuals


18% (27e.r.) of responses are in the form of suggestions that could improve the image

and reputation of marijuana and also on how it can be introduced with minimal negative

or undesired effects

Table 4.3.8.B.1




Failure to

respond

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Respondents answers


Table 4.3.8.B.2



not dangerous according to Definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

plant/herb/god's

gift 11 73%

Medicine 1 7%

safest drug 1 7%

not taxed =

illegal 2 13%


73% (11e.r.) of responses label marijuana as a plant, herb or even as god‟s gift


- It is a natural substance with no added chemicals or additional chemical

processes

7% (1e.r.) of responses label marijuana as a medicine

Table 4.3.8.B.3



not dangerous according to

Knowledge/Fact

base

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as no deaths 9 29%

no overdose 8 26%

no/minimal

health risk/side

effects

4 13%

no chemical

substances (i.e.

meth, coke, E)

3 9%

not addictive 3 10%

legal in other

countries 4 13%


29% (9e.r.) of responses are based according to the fact that no one has died of marijuana

usage

- There has been no recorded case of death directly caused due to marijuana (Gable,

2006)


26% (8e.r.) of responses are based on no recorded overdoses of marijuana existing

13% (4e.r.) of responses are based according to the knowledge of marijuana‟s zero to

minimal health risk or side effects to individuals

- Marijuana is one of the safest drugs (medically or recreationally) for usage

(Lachenmeier, Rehm, 2015)

9% (3e.r.) of responses are on the knowledge that marijuana doesn‟t hold additional or

man-made chemical substances compared to other drugs or medications

- Main components include THC and CBD which are naturally compatible to the

human body (Benson, 2012)

10% (3e.r.) of responses are according to the knowledge that marijuana is not addictive

- Studies have proven that marijuana holds very low likeliness of creating addiction

to it (Ingraham, 2014)

13% (4e.r.) of responses are based on the fact that marijuana is legal in other countries


Table 4.3.8.B.4



not dangerous according to Uses

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

medical/health

benefits 13 65%

psychological

help/relaxation 6 30%

cancer/pain 1 5%

13% (20e.r.) of responses fall within this category

65% (13e.r.) of responses are according to marijuana‟s medical and health benefits

- Claim marijuana to be not generally dangerous as it holds medical and health

beneficial properties and aspects

30% (6e.r.) of responses are according to the psychological health aspect that marijuana

usage has on individuals

- Provide psychological help or stability to individuals

5% (1e.r.) of responses are based specifically on marijuana being used to counter effects

of cancer and also its pain


Table 4.3.8.B.5



not dangerous according to Opinion

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

not

dangerous/harmful 14 46%

reduces/no

contribution to

violence/aggression 5 17%

change attitude to

life/act differently 3 10%

beneficial/other

uses 3 10%

mentally

aware/cautious 2 7%

more dangerous

illegal 2 7%

reduced medical

costs 1 3%

20% (30e.r.) of responses fall within this category

7% (2e.r.) of responses made claim that marijuana is generally more dangerous being

illegal than it would be legally


3% (1e.r.) of responses mentioned the external factor of reduced medical costs if made

legal

- Marijuana is a plant, easier and cheaper to sustain and produce (grow) than many

other prescription medications (Cbsnews.com, 2009)

Table 4.3.8.B.6



not dangerous according to Comparison

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

alcohol is

legal/dangerous 11 52%

cigarettes are


caffeine is


McDonalds is


antibiotics are



52% (11e.r.) of responses stated that alcohol is dangerous but yet legal

33% (7e.r.) of responses stated that cigarettes are dangerous but yet legal

5% (1e.r.) of responses stated that caffeine is more dangerous and yet legal

5% (1e.r.) of responses stated that McDonalds was more dangerous and yet legal


5% (1r.) of responses mentioned one of the most common medications as more

dangerous and yet legal and freely distributed and prescribed by doctors – antibiotics

Table 4.3.8.B.7



not dangerous according to Suggestions

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as if

controlled/regulated/

prescribed by doctor 17 63%

need more research

(positive) 5 19%

changing social

stigma 2 7%

personal

opinion/rights 3 11%


62% (17e.r.) of responses suggested that marijuana would not be dangerous or would be

considered as less dangerous if it is legally controlled, regulated and prescribed by

doctors

19% (5e.r.) of responses mentioned that there should be more research (positive)

conducted

- Research with the intention of providing further proof of marijuana‟s benefits and

to counter popular believes of its apparent dangers and level of danger


7% (2e.r.) of responses suggested that efforts should be made to change the current social

stigma on the topic of marijuana

- Perceived as an illegal drug, labeled as dangerous and with no benefits medically

or otherwise within Malaysia

11% (3e.r.) of responses stated that personal rights and choice should play a factor in the

accepting and disregarding a substance such as marijuana

- Violation to human and personal rights to withhold a possible alternative

medication especially if others are not effective or prove harmful

Table 4.3.8.B.8



not dangerous mentioning

possible Negative aspects

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as depends on user 3 50%

abuse can cause harm 1 16%

obesity/procrastination

being worst possible

outcome 1 17%

hampers heavy

machinery use 1 17%


9. Which is the least harmful of these substances in your opinion? (150r.)

Table 4.3.9


Alcohol 40 27%

Marijuana 89 59%

Cigarettes 9 6%

Disqualified responses 12 8%

Chart 4.3.9

Common substances of comparisons are alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes (Lachenmeier,

Rehm, 2015)

- Alcohol is legal and commonly consumed

- Cigarettes are legal and commonly smoked

- Marijuana is illegal (Malaysia) and among illegal drugs commonly used while

being legally (amongst specific countries globally) attributed with medical

benefits

27%

59%

6% 8%

Least dangerous substance by opinion (%)

Alcohol, 40r.

Marijuana, 89r.

Cigarrettes, 9r.

Disqualifiedresponses, 12r.


138 (92%) respondents of the total 150 respondents answered appropriately while the

remaining 12 were disqualified for not adhering to the instructions provided

Of total respondents (150r.):

27% (40r.) of respondents chose alcohol as the least harmful substance by comparison

59% (89r.) of respondents chose marijuana as the least dangerous substance

6% (9r.) of respondents chose cigarettes as the least dangerous substance

8% (12r.) of respondent answers were disqualified for failure to adhere to instructions

Of total respondents (138r.), excluding the disqualified respondents:

Chart 4.3.9.1

29%

64%

7%

Least dangerous substance (%, 138r.)

Alcohol, 40r.

Marijuana, 89r.

Cigarrettes, 9r.


Of total respondents (138r.), excluding the disqualified respondents:

- 29% (40r.) of respondents chose alcohol as the least harmful substance by

comparison

- 64% (89r.) of respondents chose marijuana as the least dangerous substance

- 7% (9r.) of respondents chose cigarettes as the least dangerous substance

Why do you think so? Please elaborate:

Alcohol (40r.)

Table 4.3.9.A

Respondents answers for

choosing alcohol as the least

harmful according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

failure to

respond 2 4%

Opinion 7 14%

beneficial/health

uses 14 27%

Comparisons 22 43%

external factors 6 12%


29% (40/138r.) of total respondents chose alcohol as the least dangerous substance by

comparison, thereof;

27% (14r.) of responses are based according to the benefits and health advantages of

alcohol

- Alcohol in controlled small doses has been proven to work beneficially with the

body to improve certain aspects of health and wellbeing (Hsph.harvard.edu, n.d.)

Table 4.3.9.A.1


alcohol being the least


Failure to

respond

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Respondents answers

categorized as blank 2

Table 4.3.9.A.2


choosing alcohol as least

harmful according to Opinion

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

uncertain/only

exposure 2 28%

personal

preference/opinion 2 29%

made of natural

ingredients 1 14%

not a drug 2 29%


Table 4.3.9.A.3

Respondents answers

for choosing alcohol as

least harmful according

to Beneficial/Health uses

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized by

healing/beneficial

properties 5 36%

antioxidants/cardiovascular

health 4 28%

wine/brandy (positive) 4 29%

traditional

use/cooking/body warmth 1 7%


Table 4.3.9.A.4



harmful according to Comparisons

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

less harmful

(medically/socially) 9 41%

less/not addictive 4 18%

safer than

marijuana 3 14%

marijuana is similar

(medically/

positively) 2 9%

safer than cigarettes 1 4%

all three are similar

(negatively) 1 4%

worst effect is

drunk 1 5%

only harms the

liver 1 5%

43% (22r.) of total responses fall within the category of comparison made to marijuana

and cigarettes, thereof;

14% (3e.r.) of responses claimed that alcohol is safer than marijuana

- No basis for grounds provided


9% (2e.r.) of responses however claimed that alcohol was similar to marijuana

(positively)

- Comparison was based upon medical aspects towards health and wellbeing

Table 4.3.9.A.5



harmful according to

External

factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

permitted in

restricted

areas/controlled 3 50%

expensive

(control) 1 17%

recreational 2 33%

12% (6e.r.) of responses are within this category, thereof;

50% (3e.r.) of responses claimed alcohol as the least harmful as it is controlled and

regulated

- Sales and sales locations are controlled


Marijuana (89r.)

Table 4.3.9.B


choosing marijuana as the

least harmful according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as failure to respond 4 3%

definition 9 6%

facts/opinion

(positive) 56 40%

opinion

(neutral/negative) 5 4%

medical uses 10 7%

comparison to

alcohol and

cigarettes 56 39%

external/personal

factors 3 1%

64% (89/138r.) of total respondents chose marijuana as the least dangerous substance by

comparison

Responses that state marijuana as the least harmful substance in comparison to alcohol

and tobacco are placed into seven separate categories of similar aspects. Each is in turn

broken down further according to the nature and the direction of the responses.


3% (4e.r.) of responses within this category failed to provide reason for their choice of

answer

6% (9e.r.) of responses are based according to the definition of marijuana

39% (56e.r.) of responses are based according to facts and opinions (positive) about

marijuana

- Based on research and studies

4% (5r.) of responses are based according to opinions (neutral/negative) about marijuana

- Based on respondents preconceived notions or only exposure to marijuana

7% (10e.r.) of responses are based according to its medical uses

- Respondents answered according to medical and health conditions for which

marijuana use may prove affective for

39% (56e.r.) of responses are based according to comparisons made with alcohol and

cigarettes


- Based on facts and opinions on the differences between alcohol, cigarettes and

marijuana

2% (3e.r.) of responses are based according to external and personal factors

- Based upon personal choice and outside influences, not necessarily related to the

attributes of the substance marijuana itself

Table 4.3.9.B.1


marijuana being the least


Failure to

respond

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers


Table 4.3.9.B.2


choosing marijuana as least

harmful according to Definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Respondents answers

categorized as

plant/natural

substance 9

6% (9r.) responses are based according to the definition of marijuana

- Marijuana is a plant and natural substance


Table 4.3.9.B.3


choosing marijuana as

least harmful according

to

Facts/Opinion

(positive)

No. of


Respondents answers

categorized by research/studies/proven 13 23%

health/medical benefits 10 17%

harmless/minimal or

no health risks 11 19%

no deaths 22 39%

personal choice 1 2%


23% (13e.r.) of responses are based according to scientific studies, research and proven

facts

18% (10e.r.) of responses are based according to health factors and medical benefits that

are related to marijuana

- Not specified

20% (11e.r.) of responses are according to the believe that marijuana is harmless and

poses minimal to no health risks

- Based upon individual opinion and possible research


39% (22e.r.) of responses are according to the claim that marijuana has caused no deaths

Table 4.3.9.B.4




Opinion

(neutral/negative)

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as not specified 2 40%

harmful if

overused/smoked 2 20%

constant use

causes delusion 1 40%

4% (5r.) of responses fall within this category, thereof;

20% (1r.) of responses mentioned that a possible result of overuse can result in delusions

40% (2r.) of responses mentioned that marijuana is the least harmful substance despite

believing that marijuana is harmful if overused or smoked


Table 4.3.9.B.5



harmful according to Medical uses

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as helping with Relaxation 6 60%

Nausea 1 10%

appetite loss 1 10%

Pain 1 10%

Sleep 1 10%


Table 4.3.9.B.6




Comparison to

alcohol and

cigarettes

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

less

harmful/addictive

than other two

(legal) 26 46%

alcohol = driving

impairment/crime/

violence/poor

judgment 11 20%

alcohol damages

the liver 3 5%

cigarettes = lung

cancer/shortness

of breath 14 25%

cigarettes are not

used as much 1 2%

even caffeine has

death statistics 1 2%

39% (56r.) of responses fall within this category where marijuana was compared to the

other two substance, alcohol and cigarettes

46% (26e.r.) of responses were according to marijuana being less harmful and less

addictive in comparison to the other two substances that are legal


To alcohol:

20% (11e.r.) of responses provided examples of the negative effects of alcohol that they

in comparison did not relate as effects caused by the consumption of marijuana

- Driving impairment

- Crime

- Violence

- Poor judgment

5% (3r.) of responses mentioned that alcohol damages the liver

- Alcohol is known to cause liver damage especially in frequent drinkers

To cigarettes:

25% (14r.) of responses mentioned lung cancer and shortness of breath as a negative

result of smoking cigarettes

To coffee:

2% (1r.) of responses mentioned that even caffeine has death statistics

- In reference to the legality of the substances based on statistical factors


Table 4.3.9.B.7




External/Personal

factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

agricultural,

nutritional, and

manufacturing

benefits 1 50%

recreationally used 1 50%

Cigarettes (9r.)

Table 4.3.9.C


choosing cigarettes as the

least harmful according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as definition 2 15%

comparisons to

marijuana/alcohol 10 77%

opinion

(negative) 1 8%

7% (9/150r.) of total respondents answered according to cigarettes being the least

harmful substance in comparison to alcohol and marijuana, thereof;

77% (10e.r.) of responses based their answers on comparisons made with alcohol and

marijuana


Table 4.3.9.C.1


choosing cigarettes as least

harmful according to Definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as drug 1 50%

Halal 1 50%

1r. based their choice of answer on the fact that cigarettes (smoking) are Halal

Table 4.3.9.C.2

Respondents answers

for choosing cigarettes

as least harmful

according to

Comparisons to

marijuana/alcohol

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

does not hamper

judgment/reasoning/quick

thinking 5 50%

no immediate effects on

body/functioning 2 20%

doesn't make you

stoned/high 2 20%

not as powerful 1 10%

77% (10e.r.) of responses within this category are according to comparisons made

primarily between alcohol and marijuana


50% (5e.r.) of responses mentioned that cigarettes do not hamper thinking and analysis

skills

20% (2e.r.) of responses mentioned that there were no immediate effects on the body or

its functions

- Immediate negative results of smoking may be in the form of coughing

20% (2e.r.) of responses mentioned the lack of psychoactive properties in cigarettes as

the reason for their answer

10% (1e.r.) of responses mentioned that the effects of cigarettes are not as strong in

comparison to the other two substances

- In the long term, cigarettes carry the highest death statistics among the three

substances

Table 4.3.9.C.3


choosing cigarettes as least

harmful admitting to

Opinion

(negative)

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Respondents answers

categorized as

most dangerous

to the body 1


Medical marijuana

10. Do you think marijuana has legitimate medical uses? (150r.)

Table 4.3.10


Yes 131 87%

No 16 11%


Chart 4.3.10

87% (131r.) of respondents answered „Yes‟ believing that marijuana does in fact have

medical uses

11% (16r.) of respondents answered „No‟ to believing marijuana has medical uses

- Highlights a significantly smaller percentile of respondents in comparison to the

positive response rate

87%

11%

2%

Marijuana has legitimate medical uses (%)

Yes, 131r.

No, 16r.



Please elaborate your answer: (Yes, 131r.)

Table 4.3.10.A


marijuana having legitimate

medical uses according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as failure to specify 16 8%

definition 13 6%

knowledge 55 27%

medical

ailment/benefits 90 44%

opinion 12 6%


suggestions 8 4%

27% (55e.r.) of responses are according to knowledge and information they knew

- Facts, based on research, studies and findings

44% (90e.r.) of responses are based according to or with the providence of medical

benefits or ailments for which marijuana is claimed to be affective for

6% (12e.r.) of responses are based on opinion

5% (11e.r.) of responses are based according to external factors surrounding marijuana


4% (8e.r.) of responses mentioned possible suggestions regarding marijuana and its

medical uses

- To make marijuana usage safer or accessible for medical patients in Malaysia

Table 4.3.10.A.1



medical uses according to

Failure to

specify

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers


assuming/not

sure/maybe 8

8% (16e.r.) of total responses fall within this category, of which;

50% (8r.) of respondents failed to respond

50% (8r.) of respondents answered based according to assumption and the possibility of

marijuana having medical uses

- Not based on fact but respondents are willing to give the benefit of the doubt

based on personal opinion


Table 4.3.10.A.2



medical uses according to Definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

natural

substance 11 84%

Drug 1 8%

hemp 1 8%

Table 4.3.10.A.3



medical uses according to Knowledge

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

proven/research/

studies 35 64%

medical

uses/benefits/

properties 19 34%

no deaths 1 2%

27% (55e.r.) of responses fall within this category and are according to knowledge that

respondents possessed regarding the topic, thereof;

65% (35e.r.) of responses are according to proof, research and studies

34% (19e.r.) of responses are based on the knowledge of marijuana‟s medical uses,

benefits and properties

2% (1e.r.) of respondents made mention that marijuana usage has not resulted in death


Table 4.3.10.A.4

Respondents answers

on marijuana having

legitimate medical uses

according to

Medical

ailments/benefits

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers

categorized as working

with/against Pain 20

Cancer 12

sleep/insomnia 6

seizures 4

Nausea 4

appetite 2

epilepsy 2

migraine/headaches 2

glaucoma 2

MS 1

arthritis 1

Alzheimer 1

neurological problems 1

dietary disorders 1

constipation 1

ADHD 1


ADD 1

depression/anxiety/stress 13

relaxation 9

psychological/mental

issues 2

dopamine production 2

palliative care 1

grow brain cells 1


Chart 4.3.10.A.4

44% (90e.r.) of responses fall within this category whereby medical ailments for which

the application of marijuana has proven useful for, were listed

0

5

10

15

20

25

pai

n, 2

0r.

canc

er, 1

2r.

slee

p/i

nso

mn

ia, 6

r.

seiz

ure

s, 4

r.

nau

sea,

4r.

app

etit

e, 2

r.

epile

psy

, 2r.

mig

rain

e/h

ead

ach

es, 2

r.

glau

com

a, 2

r.

mu

ltip

le s

cler

osi

s, 1

r.

arth

riti

s, 1

r.

alzh

eim

ers,

1r.

neu

rolo

gica

l pro

ble

ms,

1r.

die

tary

dis

ord

ers,

1r.

con

stip

atio

n, 1

r.

AD

HD

, 1r.

AD

D, 1

r.

dep

ress

ion

/an

xiet

y/st

ress

, 13r

.

rela

xati

on

, 9r.

psy

cho

logi

cal/

men

tal i

ssu

es, 2

r.

do

pam

ine

pro

du

ctio

n, 2

r.

pal

iati

ve c

are,

1r.

gro

w b

rain

cel

ls, 1

r.

Respondents answers according to medical ailments/benefits

No. of respondents


Table 4.3.10.A.5



medical uses according to Opinion

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

personal

opinion/yes 6 50%

harmless 1 9%

similar to

aspirin/cocaine 1 8%

potentially

harmful/addictive 3 25%

psychoactive

properties

filtered out 1 8%

6% (12e.r.) of responses fall within the opinions category, thereof;

Positive opinions:

50% (6e.r.) of responses are based on their personal opinion

9% (1e.r.) of responses stated that marijuana was harmless

8% (1r.) of responses stated that marijuana was similar to aspirin and cocaine (positive)

Negative opinions:

25% (3e.r.) of responses mentioned the opinion that marijuana may be potentially

harmful and addictive


Neutral opinions:

8% (1e.r.) of responses hold the opinion that the psychoactive properties of marijuana

should be filtered out to reduce psychological factors of the substance

- Certain ailments rely predominantly on the psychoactive properties for treatment

or release from discomfort

- Useful when considering certain job scopes and employment requirements

Table 4.3.10.A.6



medical uses according to

External

factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

legal in other

countries 8 73%

hospitals/cancer

treatment

facilities 2 18%

Cheaper 1 9%

5% (11e.r.) of responses fall within this category according to external factors, thereof;

73% (8e.r.) of responses mentioned that marijuana is legal in other countries

18% (2e.r.) of responses mentioned that it was already available in hospitals and cancer

treatment facilities abroad


9% (1e.r.) of respondents mentioned the cost of medications

- Useful for patients suffering from ongoing ailments that need constant

prescriptions

Table 4.3.10.A.7



medical uses according to Suggestions

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

more research

needed (positive) 5 62%

controlled/proper

amount 3 38%

4% (8e.r.) of total respondents answered with suggestions, thereof;

62% (5e.r.) of responses suggested more positive research be conducted

- To showcase and provide further proof to the legitimacy of marijuana‟s medical

uses locally

38% (3e.r.) of responses suggested that marijuana if properly controlled and prescribed

medically, would not cause further complications


Please elaborate your answer: (No, 16r.)

Table 4.3.10.B


marijuana having no


according to Category

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as failure to specify 9 47%

Opinion 7 37%

medical

uses/benefits 3 16%

11% (16r.) of total respondents answered within this category stating the belief of

marijuana having no medical uses, of these;

16% (3r.) of responses included medical benefits or ailments for which marijuana is used

for despite answering that marijuana holds no medical benefits

Table 4.3.10.B.1


marijuana having no


according to

Failure to

specify

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers


not specified 7


Table 4.3.10.B.2


marijuana having no


according to Opinion

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

harmful/effect

health 4 57%

other drugs

available 1 15%

doesn‟t cure 1 14%

personal opinion 1 14%

37% (7e.r.) of responses fall within this category, thereof:

57% (4e.r.) of responses are based on the belief that marijuana is harmful and affects

health negatively

15% (1e.r.) of responses stated that there are other drugs available

- Other medications in place of marijuana are available

14% (1e.r.) of responses are according to the opinion that marijuana does not cure

14% (1e.r.) of responses are according to personal opinion

- Hold the personal believe that marijuana has no medical uses


Table 4.3.10.B.3


marijuana having no


despite of

Medical

uses/benefits

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers

categorized as numbs pain 1

insomnia 1

Stress 1

16% (3e.r.) of responses within this category state medical uses or benefits of marijuana

despite the respondents claiming that marijuana does not have any medical uses, thereof;

34% (1e.r.) of responses mentioned that marijuana numbs pain

- A form of painkiller

33% (1e.r.) of responses mentioned that marijuana is used for insomnia

- A form of sleep enhancer

33% (1e.r.) of responses mentioned marijuana in the relation of being used against stress

and its effects

- A form of anti-depressant and relaxant


11. Do you know of any diseases/condition/illnesses that use medical marijuana as a form

of treatment?

Table 4.3.11


Yes 86 57%

No 64 43%

Chart 4.3.11

57% (86r.) of responses claimed knowledge of at least one disease, conditions or illness

that uses medical marijuana as a form of treatment

- More than half of total respondents

43% (64r.) of responses admitted to not knowing of any diseases, conditions or illnesses

for which marijuana is used or prescribed for

57%

43% Yes, 86r.

No, 64r.


If „Yes‟, please list down the ones you know:

Table 4.3.11.A

Disqualified responses

Reason for

disqualification

No. of

respondents

Respondents that failed to

provide information to support

their claim blank 1

not specified 1

Table 4.3.11.B

Respondents knowledge

of medical uses of

marijuana according to Medical ailment

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers

categorized by

cancer/leukemia/

chemotherapy 56

depression/anxiety 19

pain 16

glaucoma 16

epilepsy 10

insomnia/sleep 8

migraines/headache 8

arthritis 7

HIV/AIDS 6


mental

disorders/psychological

problems 5

multiple sclerosis 5

seizures/spasticity 5

Parkinson‟s 5

nausea 4

neurological 4

menstrual cramps/PMS 3

Alzheimer‟s 3

appetite loss 3

anorexia 2

diabetes 2

ADD (attention deficit

disorder) 2

ADHD (attention

deficit hyperactive

disorder) 2

stuttering 2

cerebral palsy 2

bipolar disorder 1

dementia 1

spinal cord injury 1


inflammatory

sensitivities 1

Antiemetic

(medication) 1

rheumatism 1

dyslexia 1

addiction 1

PTSD (post-traumatic

stress disorder) 1

Chart 4.3.11.B.1

27%

9%

8% 8% 5%

4% 4%

3% 3%

Responses categorized by top 67% (2/3) of answer cancer/leukemia/

chemotherapy, 56r.depression/anxiety, 19r.

pain, 16r.

glaucoma, 16r.

epilepsy, 10r.

insomnia/sleep, 8r.

migraines/headache, 8r.

arthritis, 7r.

HIV/AIDS, 6r.


12. In your opinion, do you know of anyone that you think could benefit of using medical

marijuana? (150r.)

Table 4.3.12


Yes 78 52%

No 15 10%

Don't know 57 38%

Chart 4.3.12

52% (78r.) of respondents answered with „Yes‟ they do know someone who could benefit

of using medical marijuana

- More than half the respondents admitted to knowing someone who could possibly

benefit from using medical marijuana

- Showcases a strong opinion on the effectiveness of medical marijuana and its uses

52%

10%

38%

Respondents that know anyone who could benefit of medical marijuana (%)

Yes, 78r.

No, 15r.

Don't know, 57r.


10% (15r.) of respondents answered with „No‟ they do not knew of anyone who could

possibly benefit of medical marijuana

- A very low percentile that is confident that medical marijuana holds no benefits to

anyone they know

- In comparison: the number that responded with „Yes‟ is 5 times higher than the

number of respondents that answered with „No‟

38% (57r.) of respondent answers took no sides, answering with „Don‟t know‟ as their

response

- Unwilling to make an uninformed decision


13. Do you know of any countries that recognize medical marijuana legally?

Table 4.3.13


Yes 113 75%

No 37 25%

Chart 4.3.13

75% (113r.) of total respondents claimed to know of at least one country that legally

recognizes medical marijuana

- Encompasses three quarters of all responses

75%

25%

Respondents that know of countries that recognize medical marijuana legally (%)

Yes, 113r.

No, 37r.


Table 4.3.13.A

Respondents answers

categorized by Country

No. of

respondents

Respondents that failed to

specify their answers Unspecified 7

Table 4.3.13.B

Respondents answers

categorized by Country

No. of

respondents

Respondents that

mentioned medical

marijuana being legal in

USA/Colorado,

California, Washington 77

Netherlands/Amsterdam 36

Uruguay 26

Canada 12

Australia 4

Germany 3

Jamaica 3

UK 3

North Korea 2

Cyprus 2

Israel 2

India 2


Brazil* 2

Columbia 2

Peru 2

Czech Republic 2

Argentina 1

Russia 1

Portugal 1

Italy 1

France 1

China* 1

Spain 1

*Counties carry the similar legal status as Malaysia (illegal)

Chart 4.3.13.B.1

41%

19%

14%

6%

Respondents that mentioned medical marijuana being legal in (top 4)

USA/Colorado, California,WashingtonNetherlands/Amsterdam

Uruguay

Canada


Malaysia and marijuana

14. Prior to this study, did you know that marijuana in all form is illegal in Malaysia?

Table 4.3.14


Yes 130 87%

No 20 13%

Chart 4.3.14

87% (130r.) of total respondents answered „Yes‟ to knowing that marijuana in all forms

is illegal in Malaysia

- Respondents are well aware of the illegal status of marijuana in their country

13% (20r.) of total respondents answered „No‟ to knowing that marijuana in all forms is

illegal in Malaysia

- Small minority of respondents that don‟t know the exact legal status of marijuana

in their country

87%

13%

Respondents that know marijuana is illegal in Malaysia in all forms (%)

Yes, 130r.

No, 20r.


15. In your opinion, should medical marijuana be made legally available for potential

patients in Malaysia?

Table 4.3.15


Yes 121 81%

No 29 19%

Chart 4.3.15

81%

19%

Should medical marijuana be made legally available in Malaysia (%)

Yes, 121r.

No, 29r.


Chart 4.3.15.1

81% (121r.) of total respondents answered „Yes‟ to medical marijuana being made

legally available for potential patients

- Majority of respondents are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana for potential

patients

19% (29r.) of total respondents answered „No‟ to medical marijuana being made legally

available for potential patients

- A minority of less than 20% of respondents share this point of view

- 4 times the respondent numbers share an opposing point of view

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Yes, 121r. No, 29r.

Should medical marijuana be made legally available in Malaysia

No. ofRespondents


Please state the reason for your answer: (Yes, 121r.)

Table 4.3.15.A


the legalization of medical


No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as failure to respond 2 1%

medical

aspects/advantages 103 55%

treatable medical

ailments/conditions 20 11%

opinion/personal

factors 42 22%


Suggestions 8 4%


1% (2e.r.) of responses failed to provide a supporting answer

55% (103e.r.) of responses given are based on medical aspects and advantages

- More than half the percentage

11% (20e.r.) of responses given are according to treatable medical ailments and

conditions

22% (42e.r.) of responses given are opinion based or determined by personal factors


7% (13e.r.) of responses given are based on external factors

4% (8e.r.) of responses given are in forms of suggestions

- For improvements, implementation or safe consumption

Table 4.3.15.A.1

Respondents answers for the

legalization of medical

marijuana according to

Failure to

respond

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers

categorized as blank 2


Table 4.3.15.A.2


the legalization of

medical marijuana

according to

Medically related

aspects/benefits

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

medical

benefits/treatment 38 37%

natural/natures medicine 14 13%

more effective/less side

effects/needed/necessary

in some cases 13 12%

save lives/patients 10 10%

more options/alternative

medicine 9 9%

proven/based on

research 8 8%

doesn't kill/

harmless/safe 6 6%

cheaper/reduce medical

costs/easy access 5 5%

Definition – natural, natures medication

55% (103e.r.) of responses fall within this category of medical aspects and benefit of

marijuana, thereof;

37% (38e.r.) responses are based on the medical benefits and treatment that marijuana

possesses

- No details or specifics given


13% (14e.r.) of responses are based on the fact that it is natural and considered as

nature‟s medicine

- Answers based on the fact of marijuana being a plant and fully natural

12% (13e.r.) of responses are based on the necessity of medical marijuana for certain

cases and also its benefits over the use of conventional pharmaceutical medications

10% (10e.r.) of responses contained the statements that medical marijuana saves lives and

patients

9% (9e.r.) of responses stated that medical marijuana would increase the options of

medications made available to patients and also that medical marijuana can serve as an

alternative medication where it is deemed more effective or necessary

8% (8e.r.) of responses are based on research and the proven effects of medical marijuana

for patients

6% (6e.r.) of responses stated that marijuana was safe, harmless and does not cause death

- Does not contain proven dangerous or harmful chemicals or additives


5% (5e.r.) of responses are based on the convenience to patients if medical marijuana was

made available to them

- Reduced medical costs, making treatment more affordable and less financially

straining for patients and their families

- It can ease access to medication

Table 4.3.15.A.3




Treatable medical

ailments/conditions

No. of


Respondents answers

categorized as Cancer 7 35

pain/equal to

painkiller 5 25

mental/

psychological issues 2 10

palliative care 1 5

autoimmune disease 1 5

Parkinson‟s disease 1 5

improved motor

skills 1 5

reduces tremors 1 5

improved lung

health 1 5


Table 4.3.15.A.4




Opinion/Personal

factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as why not/try it 21 50%

must/can be

regulated/controlled 10 24%

basic, human

rights/right thing to

do, patients

shouldn‟t be

restricted 7 17%

reason to escape the

law/illegal business 3 7%

acquaintance in

police custody for

medical use 1 2%

22% (42e.r.) of responses that support medical marijuana being made legally available

are based on the opinions and personal factors of the respondents, thereof;

50% (21e.r.) of responses were based according to the notion of „why not‟ and that it

should be given a chance to be tried out

- Respondents did not see a reason for medical marijuana not being made legally

available to potential patients in Malaysia


24% (10e.r.) of responses were based on the notion that medical marijuana must and/or

can be regulated and controlled

17% (7e.r.) of responses were based on the individual rights as a human and as a patient

to be able to access the most appropriate medication for their situation or condition

7% (3r.) of responses are based on the fact that it would eliminate reasons to fear or the

need to escape the law for patients that find medical marijuana effective

- also eliminating or restricting the illegal drug trade of marijuana

2% (1e.r.) of responses were according to the personal factor of having an acquaintance

in police custody for marijuana usage with intentions being medically motivated


Table 4.3.15.A.5



marijuana according to External factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

changing social

stigma 4 31%

industrial/economic

benefits 3 23%

stop corruption/

conviction of users 3 23%

public may not be

ready, but patients

shouldn't be

deprived 2 15%

it is legal for a

reason 1 8%

7% (13e.r.) of responses that support medical marijuana being made legally available are

based according to external factors, thereof;

31% (4e.r.) of responses are based on the intention of changing the social stigma that is

held by society on the topic of medical marijuana and marijuana in general

- Marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug in Malaysia


23% (3e.r.) of responses mentioned possible industrial and economic benefits to legally

making medical marijuana available to potential patients

- The country could see economic growth in various industries with the cultivation

of marijuana

23% (3e.r.) of responses are in accordance to stopping corruption and the conviction of

users

- Legally making medical marijuana available for potential patients could severely

affect or even crumble the illegal trade of marijuana in the country

- As well as constricting law enforcement from engaging in illegal activity and

corruption

15% (2e.r.) of responses stated that the general public may not be ready for the

legalization of marijuana but the patients should not be restricted

- Patients and healthcare should come first as it involves people‟s wellbeing and

their recovery to better health and living

8% (1e.r.) of responses stated the point of it being made legal in other countries must be

the result of good analysis and reasoning of available information


Table 4.3.15.A.6



marijuana according to Suggestion

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Respondents answers

categorized as

more

research/education

(positive) 8

4% (8e.r.) of responses were in the form of suggestions for more research and education

(locally) to be conducted on the topic

- Reference made to positive research to make clear the medical benefits that

marijuana has to offer

Please state the reason for your answer: (No, 29r.)

Table 4.3.15.B

Respondents answers against



No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

failure to

respond 2 5%

personal

definition 8 21%

opinion of usage 18 48%



19% (29e.r.) of respondents answered „No‟ marijuana should not be made legally

available to potential patients in Malaysia, thereof;

5% (2e.r.) of respondents failed to respond and specify a reason for choice

21% (8e.r.) of responses are based on personal definitions of marijuana and its uses

48% (18e.r.) of responses are based on the opinion of medical marijuana or marijuana

usage

26% (10e.r.) of responses are based on external factors surrounding the legalization of

medical marijuana

Table 4.3.15.B.1




Failure to

respond

No. of

respondents

Respondents answers



Table 4.3.15.B.2




Personal

definition

No. of

respondents

(r.*)

Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as not sure 3 37%

a drug 2 25%

Dangerous 2 25%

Addictive 1 13%

21% (8e.r.) of responses fall within this category according to personal definitions of

marijuana, thereof;

37% (3e.r.) of responses pointed towards the respondents being unsure of the topic

- Do not possess adequate information to make a well informed decision

25% (2e.r.) of responses were based on the definition of marijuana being a drug

25% (2e.r.) of responses were based on defining marijuana as dangerous

- It is a drug (illegal by status)

- Potentially harmful to personal health and society

13% (1e.r.) of responses were based on the notion that marijuana is addictive


Table 4.3.15.B.3

Respondents answers

against the legalization of

medical marijuana

according to Opinion of usage

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

abused/

misused/overused 11 61%

outdated/unnecessary 4 22%

must be scientifically

proven 2 11%

side effects 1 6%

48% (18e.r.) of responses within this category are according to the opinion on the aspects

of marijuana being used medically, of which;

61% (11e.r.) of responses were according to the opinion that medical marijuana would be

abused, misused or overused

- Same fear can be applied to most legal medications

- Marijuana is already being used illegally in Malaysia, considered as being abused

by the law

- Allowing medical patients to use it legally improves safety and also control of the

substance


22% (4e.r.) of responses were based on the opinion that medical marijuana was outdated

or unnecessary

- It is potentially a less harmful alternative form of medication to current

pharmaceuticals

- A possible only available form of affective medication in light of certain medical

or health aspects

11% (2e.r.) of responses stated that medical marijuana must be scientifically proven

- Research and studies exist highlighting the benefits and uses as being proven

- Local based research could be conducted to verify existing information and to

further the understanding of the topic

6% (1e.r.) of responses were based according to the side effects that medical marijuana

potentially could hold

- Medical marijuana holds minimal harmful side effects

- Potentially holds less side effects than currently implemented legal

pharmaceuticals


Table 4.3.15.B.4

Respondents answers

against the legalization of

medical marijuana

according to External factors

No. of

respondents

(r.*) Percentage

Respondents answers

categorized as

government/public

not ready 3 30%

too difficult to

regulate/need

heavy

enforcement 3 30%

Islamic country 2 20%

increased crime

(hospital

robberies) 1 10%

lack of education/

acknowledgement 1 10%

26% (10e.r.) of responses within this category are based on external factors related to

medical marijuana or its usage, thereof;

30% (3e.r.) of responses were based on the notion that the government or the public

would not be ready for its implementation

- Majority of respondents seem familiar with marijuana its status, definition or

application


30% (3e.r.) of responses mentioned that it would be too difficult to regulate and that

heavy enforcement would be needed to control its distribution

- Marijuana is currently already available via the illegal drug trade proving difficult

to control in the first place (in reference to respondent user rate and frequency)

- Ensures that the correct quality of marijuana reaches the correct patients

20% (2e.r.) of responses pointed out the fact that Malaysia is an Islamic country

10% (1e.r.) of responses predicted that there may be an increase in crime and break-ins to

hospitals

- Marijuana is not addictive, no high risk addicts will be created

10% (1e.r.) of responses mentioned that there was a lack of education and

acknowledgement for medical marijuana as a reason it should or could not be made

legally available

- Respondents have shown a strong understanding of marijuana via legal status,

definition and application

- Education and further research (local) if implemented can change the negative

social and legal stigma that is associated with marijuana within Malaysia


4.4 Findings based on user and non-user groups (quantitative basis)

Respondent comparison – Users vs. Non-users (quantitative questions)

Table 4.4.A

Ratio – 2:1

1. What do you currently personally regard marijuana as? More than one answer

permitted.

User response rate

Table 4.4.1.A

Answers No. of respondent Percentage

Blank, 2r. 2 1%

Illegal drug, 24r. 24 9%

Plant, 73r. 73 27%

Medicine, 69r. 69 26%

Recreational drug, 58r. 58 22%

Spiritual aid, 40r. 40 15%

Respondent groups No. of respondents Percentage

Have tried (users) 100 67%

Haven't tried (non-users) 50 33%


Non-user response rate

Table 4.4.1.B

Answers No. of respondent Percentage

Illegal drug, 29r. 29 29%

Plant, 32r. 32 33%

Medicine, 23r. 23 23%

Recreational drug, 9r. 9 9%

Spiritual aid, 4r. 4 4%

Don‟t know, 2r. 2 2%

Chart 4.4.1.A

1%

9%

27%

26%

22%

15%

What user respondents regard marijuana as (%)

Blank, 2r.

Illegal drug, 24r.

Plant, 73r.

Medicine, 69r.


Spiritual aid, 40r.


Chart 4.4.1.B

Failure to respond

1% of the user respondents

0% of non-user respondents

Illegal drug

9% of user respondents


- Very low percentile (9%) of user respondents regard marijuana as an illegal drug

o Do not consider it as a drug or a substance that should be illegal

- In comparison, the percentile (29%) of non-users that regard marijuana as an

illegal drug is more than three times that of the user percentile

29%

33%

23%

9%

4% 2%

What non-user respondents regard marijuana as (%)

Illegal drug, 29r.

Plant, 32r.

Medicine, 23r.


Spiritual aid, 4r.

Don’t know, 2r.


o Consider marijuana to be a drug and a substance that is illegal (fact)

o Knowledge is based on external factors not on personal trial and

evaluation

- There is a large difference in the regard of marijuana according to legal aspects

o Users often regard marijuana as a natural substance that should not be

made or labeled as illegal

o Non-users often base their stance on the legality of marijuana not

according to opinion but according to official labels that have been

provided for it

Plant



- A lower percentile of user respondents regard marijuana as a plant in comparison

to the percentile of non-user respondents

o More non-user respondents answered according to the labels given to

marijuana

- One third of non-user respondents correctly labeled marijuana as a plant

o Displays strong information possession on the origin of marijuana


Medicine



- Both respondent groups regard marijuana as medicine by a very close margin

o Based on experience and no experience of the user and non-user

o Closest relation in opinion between the two groups

Important factor to consider: as non-users have had no personal experience with

marijuana, its effects or its benefits. Almost the same response percentile was reached

between groups indicate clearly that users and non-users share the similar regard for

marijuana when it is in the context of medicine. Opinion on regarding marijuana

according to the other options has shown a greater gap between the response percentiles

of the two groups.

Recreational drug



- The percentile of respondents that regard marijuana as a recreational drug is much

higher from the user group than from the non-user group

o Regard is based more towards the experience and usages of marijuana as

can be seen by the user group


o Opinion by non-users are not based on personal experience but on

observation or knowledge (it is a well-known fact that marijuana has been

used recreationally for centuries)

- Non-users have a very low regard for marijuana being a recreational drug

o Opinion can help build stronger perception towards the actual uses and

benefits of marijuana

o For example: focus on building public opinion and regard for marijuana

towards the medical aspects and benefits it has to offer

Spiritual aid



- The percentile of respondents that consider marijuana as a spiritual aid is more

than three times as high for the user group compared to the non-user group

o Spiritual regard towards marijuana is easier established through

experience

o A lower percentile number of the non-user group recognizes the spiritual

potential that marijuana has to offer, without having tried marijuana and

its effects

- One of the most prominent differences shown in the perception towards marijuana

between the two groups is in the areas of spirituality and marijuana‟s role in it


Don‟t know



- None of the user group responded within this category

- 2% of non-users don‟t know what to regard marijuana as

o All user group respondents had a personal regard or perception of

marijuana

8. Do you believe marijuana consumption, if legal, to be generally dangerous?

User response rate

Table 4.4.8.A


Yes, 24r. 24 24%

No, 75r. 75 74%

Didn't respond, 1r. 1 1%



Table 4.4.8.B


Yes, 30r. 30 60%

No, 19r. 19 38%

Didn't respond, 1r. 1 2%

Chart 4.4.8.A

24%

75%

1%

Is marijuana generally dangerous, users (%)

Yes, 24r.

No, 75r.

Didn't respond, 1r.


Table 4.4.8.B

„Yes‟

24% user response rate

60% non-user response rate

- Less than a quarter of user respondents believe that marijuana consumption is

generally dangerous at 24%

- More than half of the non-user respondents believe that marijuana consumption is

generally dangerous at 60% ( more than half of the user percentile)

o Knowledge may not be the reflection of truth but of social and legal

regards towards marijuana, forming opinions based on a lack of full

knowledge

o In comparison non-users believe with much more frequency that

marijuana is generally dangerous

60%

38%

2%

Is marijuana generally dangerous, non-users (%)

Yes, 30r.

No, 19r.

Didn't respond, 1r.


o Users took into consideration their experience with and of marijuana and

decided with a much lower percentile that marijuana is not generally

dangerous

„No‟



- Three quarters of users stated that marijuana was not generally dangerous

o Based on experience, trial and personal opinion

o A very high percentile of first hand opinion holders believe that marijuana

is not generally dangerous

- The opinion was shared by 38% of the non-user respondents, just over half the

percentile of the user response rate

o Based not on experience but personal opinion or knowledge

Failure to respond



- Both have relatively low failure to respond rates

- Reasons unknown


9. Which is the least harmful of these substances in your opinion?

User response rate

Table 4.4.9.A


Alcohol, 8r. 8 8%

Marijuana, 76r. 76 76%

Cigarettes, 9r. 9 9%

Disqualified responses, 7r. 7 7%


Table 4.4.9.B


Alcohol, 32r. 32 64%

Marijuana, 13r. 13 26%

Disqualified responses, 5r. 5 10%


Chart 4.4.9.A

Table 4.4.9.B

Alcohol



- Only 8% of users considered alcohol to be the least dangerous of the three

substances

8%

76%

9% 7%

Least dangerous substance by opinion, users (%)

Alcohol, 8r.

Marijuana, 76r.

Cigarettes, 9r.


64%

26%

10%

Least dangerous substance by opinion, non-users (%)

Alcohol, 32r.

Marijuana, 13r.



- Total of 64% of non-users stated alcohol as the least dangerous substance of the

three

o Non-users didn‟t compare all three substance based on experience

Marijuana



- More than three quarter of users regard marijuana as the least dangerous

substance of the three at 76%

o Advantage of exposure creates for better opinionated responses

o In comparison to the other two substances, marijuana among users is

considered by far as the least dangerous substance

- Above a quarter of non-user respondents believed in the same opinion that

marijuana was the least dangerous of the three substances at 26%

o Based on opinion, knowledge or research

o Taking into consideration that marijuana is an illegal substance in

Malaysia and labeled as a Schedule 1 drug, these results display a strong

understanding by non-users on the topic and displays strong opinion on

the subject and its perceived dangers

o With more education and research made available, the opinions by non-

users on the dangers of marijuana are likely to deviate from alcohol and

point towards marijuana


Cigarettes



- No non-user respondents considered cigarettes to be the least dangerous of the

three substance

- 9% of user respondents based their answers on opinion rather than statistics

Disqualified responses



- Respondents that failed to adhere to the question of choosing the least dangerous

substance

- A lower disqualification rate was achieved by users than non-users

- Reasons unknown for answering against instructions


10. Do you think marijuana has legitimate medical uses?

User response rate

Table 4.4.10.A


Yes, 94r. 94 94%

No, 5r. 5 5%

Did not respond, 1r. 1 1%

Non- user response rate

Table 4.4.10.B


Yes, 37r. 37 74%

No, 11r. 11 22%

Did not respond, 2r. 2 4%


Chart 4.4.10.A

Chart 4.4.10.B

„Yes‟



- Almost 95% of user respondents believe that marijuana has medical uses

94%

5% 1%

Marijuana has legitimate medical uses, users (%)

Yes, 94r.

No, 5r.


74%

22%

4%

Marijuana has legitimate medical uses, non-users (%)

Yes, 37r.

No, 11r.



o Based on knowledge from research and studies, personal opinion

combined with the opportunity for personal experience

o Almost all who have tried marijuana believe that it has medical uses

- Almost three quarters of non-users believe that marijuana has legitimate medical

uses at 74% of respondents answering with „yes‟

o Based on knowledge gained through various means and based on opinion

o No direct exposure to marijuana

o High percentile of non-users that believe in the legitimacy of marijuana‟s

medical uses, can‟t be ignored

„No‟



- Only 5% of users disagreed to marijuana having any legitimacy medical uses

o A small fraction of respondents that have had firsthand experience with

marijuana

- A higher percentile is reached by non-users at 22% that don‟t believe that

marijuana has legitimate medical uses

o Opinion is based on outside information and personal opinion


o A lack of information or knowledge possession on the topic of medical

marijuana may be a major contributor for choice of answer

Failure to respond



- Reasons unspecified

- Reduced participation numbers by non-users


11. Do you know of any diseases/condition/illnesses that use medical marijuana as a form

of treatment?

User response rate

Table 4.4.11.A


Yes, 71r. 71 71%

No, 29r. 29 29%


Table 4.4.11.B


Yes, 15r. 15 30%

No, 35r. 35 70%


User Chart 4.4.11.A

Non-user

Chart 4.4.11.B

„Yes‟



30%

70%

Yes, 15r.

No, 35r.

71%

29%

Yes, 71r.

No, 29r.


„No‟



- User and non-user responses are almost entirely reversed

- Users have attained more information on medical marijuana and its uses for

various medical conditions

- Non-user respondents display less knowledge on the applications of marijuana

medically

- Through education this can be easily amended

12. In your opinion, do you know of anyone that you think could benefit of using medical

marijuana?

User response rate

Table 4.4.12.A


Yes, 68r. 68 68%

No, 8r. 8 8%

Don't know, 24r. 24 24%



Table 4.4.12.B


Yes, 10r. 10 20%

No, 7r. 7 14%

Don't know, 33r. 33 66%

Chart 4.4.12.A

68% 8%

24%

Know anyone who could benefit, user (%)

Yes, 68r.

No, 8r.

Don't know, 24r.


Chart 4.4.12.B

„Yes‟



- Users positive response rate is more than three times higher than that of non-users

- User response rate is more than half of the user population indicating at:

o Strong knowledge of the uses of medical marijuana and its effects

o Strong belief of the medical properties in marijuana and their effectiveness

o Strong trust in marijuana and its benefits as they are confident that it is

able to benefit someone they know (considered it is a Schedule 1 drug in

Malaysia)

- Considering that only 30% of non-users said they were familiar with medical

conditions that used medical marijuana, a 20% response rate in this aspect is

relatively high

20%

14% 66%

Know anyone who could benefit, non-user (%)

Yes, 10r.

No, 7r.

Don't know, 33r.


„No‟



- User response rate is lower than that of non-users

- Users may have advantage of having acquired more information on the topic to be

able to identify potential benefiters of medical marijuana

- Users also have the added advantage of firsthand experience with marijuana

- Non-users may not have acquired adequate information on the topic and the uses

of medical marijuana to be able to identify potential benefiters of it

„Don‟t know‟



- Users display a much higher confidence in answering this question

o Possibly due to having acquired more knowledge on the topic

o Added advantage of firsthand experience

- Non-user response percentile is more than half the total at 66%, indicating;

o low confidence with picking sides to this question

o Non-users may not have adequate information as to the medical uses of

marijuana

o strong defiance in dismissing the possibility of knowing someone who

could potentially benefit of using marijuana



User response rate

Table 4.4.13.A


Yes, 92r. 92 92%

No, 8r. 8 8%


Table 4.4.13.B


Yes, 21r. 21 42%

No, 29r. 29 58%

Chart 4.4.13.A

92%

8%

Know of countries that recognize medical marijuana legally (%)

Yes, 92r.

No, 8r.


Chart 4.4.13.B

„Yes‟



- Above 90% of user respondents claimed to know of a country that recognizes

medical marijuana legally, indicating;

o Strong knowledge of medical marijuana‟s legal status abroad

- Non-user response rate is less than half of the respondents, indicating;

o Low knowledge of medical marijuana‟s legal status abroad

o A possible lack of knowledge on the topic in general

42%

58%

Know of countries that recognize medical marijuana legally (%)

Yes, 21r.

No, 29r.


„No‟



- More than half of the non-user respondents don‟t know of a country that

recognizes medical marijuana, indicating

o Most non-users are not informed about the legal status of medical

marijuana abroad

o Through education and information sharing non-users could acquire

important information such as this which legally makes clear the existence

of „medical‟ marijuana and its benefits and uses


User response rate

Table 4.4.14.A


Yes, 91r. 91 91%

No, 9r. 9 9%



Table 4.4.14.B


Yes, 37r. 37 74%

No, 13r. 13 26%

Chart 4.4.14.A

Chart 4.4.14.B

91%

9%

Know marijuana is illegal in all forms, user (%)

Yes, 91r.

No, 9r.

74%

26%

Know marijuana is illegal in all forms, non-user (%)

Yes, 37r.

No, 13r.


„Yes‟



- Both parties indicate strong knowledge on the legality of marijuana in Malaysia

on a general basis

o Close to all users knew that marijuana is illegal in all forms at a 91%

response rate

o Close to three quarters of non-user respondents knew that marijuana is

illegal in all forms

„No‟



- 9% of user respondents do not know the complete legal status of marijuana in

Malaysia

o Not fully aware of the possible legal consequences to having used a

substance that is classified as a Schedule 1 drug

- A higher response rate was contributed by the non-users at 26%, indicating;

o A lack of information exposure on the legality of marijuana in Malaysia


15. In your opinion, should medical marijuana be made legally available for potential


User response rate

Table 4.4.15.A


Yes, 90r. 90 90%

No, 10r. 10 10%


Table 4.4.15.B


Yes, 31r. 31 62%

No, 19r. 19 38%


Chart 4.4.15.A

Chart 4.4.15.B

„Yes‟



90%

10%

Should medical marijuana be made legally available in Malaysia, user (%)

Yes, 90r.

No, 10r.

62%

38%

Should medical marijuana be made legally available in Malaysia, non-user (%)

Yes, 31r.

No, 19r.


- A very strong positive response rate was achieved by the user group

o 90% answered yes to legally making available medical marijuana for

potential patients

o Strong belief and confidence shown towards the uses and benefits of

medical marijuana for patients

- A good positive response rate was achieved by the non-user group

o More than half of the respondents agreed to making medical marijuana

legally available at a 62% response rate

o Displays strong belief and willingness by non-users to try and test out

marijuana in the medical field

„No‟



- A low response rate in this aspect was achieved by the user group

o Similar to the response rate of 8% in Question 12 in regards to knowing

anyone who could benefit of medical marijuana

o A very low percentile of respondents that have had firsthand experience

with marijuana, indicates strong value or regard for marijuana by the

average user

- A much higher response rate was achieved by the non-user group in this regard

o Respondents may not have acquired certain sufficient knowledge on the

topic


4.5 Quantitative answers

Findings directly related to the possible legalization of medical marijuana for potential

patients in Malaysia (quantitative aspect)

Table 4.5.1: Perception towards marijuana and its medical uses

Perception towards marijuana and its medical uses according to question

No. of respondents Percentage

Question 1 Personal regard

of total responses given Illegal drug 53 14%

Plant 105 29%

Medicine 92 25%

of total

respondents 150 Medicine 92 61%

Question 6 Contributing factors for usage

of total responses given Relaxation 78 38%

As a form of

medication 30 15%

of total

respondents 100

As a form of

medication 30r. 30%

Question 7 Personal medical benefits

of total

respondents 100 Yes 46 46%

No 17 17%


Question 8 Generally dangerous

of total


No 94 63%

Question 9 Least harmful substance by comparison

of total

respondents 150 Alcohol 40 27%

Marijuana 89 59%

Cigarettes 9 6%

Question 10 Legitimate medical usage

of total


No 16 11%

Question 12 Know of someone who could benefit

of total


No 15 10%


Table 4.5.2: Perception on the legalization of medical marijuana

Opinions/Perception on the legalization of medical marijuana for potential

patients in Malaysia

No. of respondents Percentage

Question 15 Should it be made legally available

of total


No 29 19%


4.7 Contributing factors for general marijuana usage (according to total

collected responses, not necessarily personal usage)

Total number of responses according to medical conditions, illnesses or ailments as well

as medical marijuana‟s applications for specifically named purposes

Table 4.7: Contributing factors for general marijuana usage

Medical marijuana’s application according to total collected participant responses

(includes contradictory responses)

Medical condition/ uses for

medical marijuana

No. of

responses

Medical condition/ uses

for medical marijuana

No. of

responses

Cancer/leukemia/chemothera

py 90 Diabetes 2

Depression/anxiety +

relaxation induction 89 Stuttering 2

Pain 49 Cerebral palsy 2

Insomnia/sleep 22 Autoimmune disease 1

Glaucoma 19 Bipolar disorder 1

Epilepsy 12 Dementia 1

Seizures/spasticity/tremors 12 Spinal cord injury 1

Migraines/headache 11

Inflammatory

sensitivities 1

Arthritis 9 Antiemetic 1

Nausea 9 Rheumatism 1

Mental

disorders/psychological

problems 9 Dyslexia 1

Neurological problems 7 Addiction 1

Appetite loss 7

PTSD (post-traumatic

stress disorder) 1


Multiple sclerosis 6 Dietary disorders 1

Parkinson‟s disease 6 Constipation 1

HIV/AIDS 6 Palliative care 3

Menstrual cramps/PMS 5 Grow brain cells 1

Alzheimer‟s 4 Dopamine production 2

ADD (attention deficit

disorder) 3 Improved motor skills 1

ADHD (attention deficit

hyperactive disorder) 3 Improve lung health 1

Anorexia 2 cancer prevention 1


5.0 Discussion

5.1 Based on Survey Findings (from a predominantly quantitative aspect)

Perception towards marijuana, its medical uses, and its legalization for potential patients

It seems appropriate to mention and discuss certain statistical findings of this

survey before further engaging the other findings in further derail. For instance, as found

in Question 2, out of the 150 participants a total 100 of these or 67% have engaged in the

usage of marijuana prior to this survey. That is a high figure disclosing the popularity or

acceptance of marijuana trial among the sampled population, with 32% of them admitting

to daily usage as was found in Question 5. This is a 100% increase from the statistics

published by the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) in 2013 which recorded a total of

only 15.96% ganja users of a total 7864 registered drug users. Several reasons may exist

for these differences in findings, one may be due to the reason that the link between

marijuana users and them consuming other drugs, may not be as common as thought.

Another reason may be that the previously recorded number of users in 2013 included

only individuals registered by the legal system, whereas findings in this survey are

confessions by voluntary participants.

An interesting observation that can be made in regards to Question 2 and

Question 5 is the fact that a significant number of the total participants believe in the

theory of free will. Considering the factors of marijuana being classified and enforced as

a Schedule 1 drug, the percentage of respondents that have tried it demonstrates that they

made their own choices despite the possible consequences that may arise.

In Question 3 it was found that 54% had tried both smoking and ingesting

marijuana via food or drink, this can be used in the consideration of medical marijuana


implementation within the country. As was shown by the same question, only 4% had

tried it solely through ingestion via food of drink, with the remainder 42% having only

smoked it. If legalization of medical marijuana is considered, it could be implemented

according to the suggested intake method applied within Canada which supported the

usage of the non-smoked form of marijuana (Medicalmarijuana.ca, n.d.). This would

support the effort of keeping recreational usage and the black market trade of marijuana

under control as the preferred intake method of smoking has been established as a

dominant 43% by Question 4.

In Question 1, respondents were given a choice of answers as to what they

personally regarded marijuana as. According to the findings, the total number of

respondents that included „Medicine‟ as their answers, numbered at 92 respondents. This

equaled 25% (one quarter) of the total number of responses given, or 61% of respondents

that regarded marijuana as a medicine.

On its own this figure already stands to show a strong stand on the perception of

marijuana by the sample population falling not far behind the 29% mark collected for

marijuana being regarded as a plant. However, when more specifically asked in

Questions 10 concerning the legitimacy of marijuana‟s medical usage, the percentage

jumped in positive response to 87% totaling 131 respondents. This result is further

emphasized when considering the sample population of users when the percentage is at

its peak of 94%. This result may be seen as a form of justification attempted at reasoning

marijuana use among users, but when considering the non-user responses to the same

question this seems to be unlikely and based more upon research and experience. The

reason for this is that the majority of respondents that have never tried marijuana before


also share the same view point; at 74% the results show clearly that both of the parties,

users and non-users, strongly believe that marijuana has legitimate medical uses.

Furthermore, 52% of respondents were willing to stand by the claim that

marijuana usage could medically benefit someone they knew (Question 12). Taking into

consideration that this is in reference to a classified Schedule 1 drug, respondents seem

confident in its beneficiary applications and safety for usage. This is despite the lack of

research and studies conducted on the subject locally. When a similar question, on a

personal experience basis, was posed to the user group in Question 7, 46% responded that

they had medically benefitted from the usage of marijuana. This is an increase from the

results in Question 6, whereby only 30% of users mentioned specifically using marijuana

as a form of medication in relation to contributing factor for usage. When the percentage

according to total responses, given at 15% and in relation to medical and health aspects,

is combined with the number of responses that stated relaxation as a major contributing

factor for usage at 38%, the total equals to 53%. This percentage is almost the same as

the resulting number of responses given in regards to contributing factors for users

continuing the intake of marijuana for the same reasons coming in at 54%. These findings

clearly show the perception of the user group in regards to marijuana and its capabilities

based on their personal experiences.

When taking into account the assurance shown by the respondents in regards to

believing that marijuana has medical usages, it becomes a duty of the relevant authorities

to research and appropriately analyze the various aspects related to it. As it is also

specifically associated with the medical uses of it, the Hippocratic Oath upheld by

doctors states clearly that all forms of possible medication must be taken into


consideration and to apply the one that most suites the case of a patient. It seems

therefore a necessity for the medical board and practitioners to take a closer look at these

claims and make references to previously conducted global research as well as to conduct

local based research on this topic. With appropriate research and implementation

strategies, patients could see their possibility of choosing their own medication based one

all available sources. This right comes to them at the age of 18 as stipulated by the Age of

Majority Act 1971.

Lastly, in reference to marijuana having legitimate medical properties and its

current illegal status, 81% of respondents answered Question 15 with „Yes‟ medical

marijuana should be made legally available for potential patients. Significantly, the non-

user group reached a total of 62% of respondents shared the same view. This response

rate clearly showcases the sample population‟s point of stance on the legalization, by

both users and non-users, of medical marijuana within Malaysia and should be taken into

account by the authorities.

When taking a closer look at the reasons given for the respondents support in

legalization in Question 15, several relevant arguments can be identified. Among these

are included the mention of:

Marijuana being labeled as a plant with medical properties (14e.r.)

Marijuana being a form of alternative medication (9e.r.)

Marijuana being regarded with higher positivity in comparison to

conventional medications (13e.r.)

Medical marijuana being a matter of personal right and choice (9e.r.)

Patients should not be restricted (2e.r.)


These arguments for the legalization of medical marijuana are according to the theory of

free will, the Hippocratic Oath and the factor that Malaysia is a democratic country. In

accordance to the theory of free will, respondents answered with patients should not be

restricted, medical marijuana is a matter of human rights and that marijuana is considered

a better alternative to conventional medications where applicable. These can also be

linked together with the Hippocratic Oath to which doctors are sworn to, as the mention

of marijuana being a form of alternative medication as well as it being regarded

positively in comparison to other medications, places pressure on the medical staff to

consider and provide the best course of action and medication for their patients according

to existent proof and research. Marijuana has been proven to be a plant with medical

properties as was mentioned by a number of respondents, and is being prescribed legally

for various patients globally providing research and proof that Malaysia and doctors can

refer to. Malaysia also claiming status as a democratic country should consider these

aspects and verify it with locally conducted research to ensure no gap or breech in

government policy hinders the progression for improvement to the Malaysian healthcare

system.

Negatively, respondents (2e.r.) made mention of Malaysia being an Islamic

country whereby prospects of legalization for marijuana, even medically, would reduce

significantly. In fact, one respondent had labeled medical marijuana as “Haram” in

response to the introductory question of the survey. This is in relation to the Divine

Command Theory whereby good or bad, right and wrong is defined by God or by the

books of God such as the Holy Bible and the Quran. However, although Malaysia is

considered an Islamic country there is a large population that does not follow the Islamic


faith. Furthermore, if the reference to intoxicants „khamr‟ within the Quran when

translated specifically only refers to alcohol or wine, then marijuana is not mentioned

therefore breaking no aspects in regards to the divine command theory if legalization

were to occur and references to the holy books were made. Also, marijuana had been

used medically in the Islamic world for centuries prior to the 19th century. Also a very

important factor to relate with the above mentioned aspects is that alcohol within

Malaysia is legal for consumption and purchase for non-Muslims, this is regardless of its

negative effects or the fact that it is prohibited within the Islamic faith. However, if

alcohol is available for relevant individuals based on legality and free will for

consumption is practiced, it can be argued that medical marijuana should be made

available in similar contexts with the added plus point of it being employed only for

medical reasons, leaving minimal loopholes for the system to deal with and providing a

potentially saver and more effective medical alternative for patients.

In comparison, 2004 saw the release of a similar study regarding legalization

conducted in the USA based on the opinions of middle-aged and above American

citizens. The results showed 72% of the sample population in favor of legalizing medical

marijuana, and during this time progress and court cases were being fought in favor of

this belief (AP, 2004). In America the positive regard towards medical marijuana had

long been standing and disputed, as was shown by a separate survey back in 1991. In this

particular survey it was shown that a majority of 53% of oncologists supported the

legalization of medical marijuana by prescription (Doblin, Kleiman, 1991).

Taking into account these results from the American held surveys and the current

progress achieved in the medical aspects of marijuana since then, it is clear what the


significance of survey results such as the locally shown findings can hold. With strong

public opinion of 81% in favor of legalizing medical marijuana for potential patients

within their country, it seems unlikely that it can be ignored by the government and its

relevant officials. With findings that seem undisputed in the direction that they point,

such as of this study, more information and research should be encouraged to determine

what benefits this prospect could hold and how it could be best used for the country‟s

development.

Considering the positive regards to making medical marijuana legally available to

potential patients, the negative findings must not be ignored in order to not disregard any

information that could prove crucial during discussions on the topic. According to the

findings in Question 1 the total responses that included regarding marijuana as an illegal

drug only reached 14% compared to respondents that regarded it as medicine, 25%. This

is an interesting finding on the perception of Malaysians on a substance that has since the

Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, been labeled as a Schedule 1 drug that carries the death

sentence for trafficking and life imprisonment for cultivation. In regards to the plant

marijuana, the findings clearly indicate that the majority of survey respondents do not

consider it as an illegal drug.

In Question 8 the question on the perception of the general dangers of marijuana

was posed to the survey participants. Of a total 150 respondents only 36% believed that

marijuana was generally dangerous, despite being legal. This is a small minority that is

outdone by the collective 63% of respondents that hold the belief of marijuana not being

generally dangerous if legal.


In relation to the dangers of marijuana, Question 9 aimed at determining what was

considered as the least harmful substance by comparison between alcohol, marijuana and

cigarettes. Not surprisingly cigarettes scored rather low with only 6% of 150 respondents.

Alcohol scored with a minority count that earned it 27%. Marijuana on the other hand

was regarded as least harmful substance by a majority of 59%. The figure is taken from

the overall responses given which included 12% of disqualified respondents.

In April 2015 a supporting study was released that revealed that medical

marijuana was indeed a lot safer for usage than alcohol that was found to be 144 times

more dangerous, or tobacco. Both alcohol and tobacco are within the range of „high risk‟

substances, whereas marijuana falls at the far end of the „low risk‟ substances

(Lachenmeier, Rehm, 2015). The findings on the perception of the least harmful

substance in relation to the local findings, is therefore accurate and displays a strong

knowledge of the sample population understanding that the only classified Schedule 1

drug on this list is indeed the safest for consumption. This is in comparison to the two

highest recreationally used substances that are by law legally sold over the counter in

Malaysia.

For the same question however, when looking at the response rate of non-users,

the percentage in favor of marijuana decreases reaching only 26% whereas alcohol is at a

height of 64%. Looking back at the overall responses that make up the „alcohol as the

least harmful‟ category for Question 9, 27% of the total 27% or 40 respondents based

their answers on the benefits and health advantages of alcohol. Taking the medical

perception of alcohol into consideration, these respondents did not focus on the negative

aspects related with alcohol consumption but instead focused on its benefits. It is


therefore possible to assume that if education and further research materials and findings

on the topic were made openly available to the public, the trend in support for medical

marijuana should increase along with this new wave of information.

There is a strong regard for marijuana being defined as a medicine as seen in the

limited findings of this research with it being classified as a medicine by 94e.r. of total

responses collected, while in comparison the respondents regard to marijuana being

classified as a drug, illegal or both only adds up to an accumulative 66e.r. This shows

that the general regard to marijuana and its application collected from the research

sample is positive rather than the negative regards surrounding it legally and officially.

Future research on the general regard of marijuana and its medical aspects need to be

conducted using a larger sample population. This is due to the fact that gathering the

perception of a larger part of the Malaysian population in connection to this topic could

provide the sufficient and needed information that the authorities require in order to

consider an appropriate course of action in recognizing and accepting the existence of

medical marijuana and its uses

.


5.2 Based on Literature Review

The potential of legally making medical marijuana available to potential patients in

Malaysia and making it a reality

Marijuana has been known locally for centuries with the first reference to it being

made in the „Hikayat Inderaputera‟ believed to have been written at the end of the 17th

century and where it was listed as a „herbal and food plant‟ found in Malay gardens

(Zakaria, Salleh & Rashid, 2013). Although it was believed that it had been introduced

much earlier, in 1839 O‟Shaughnessy reported that it was a common ingredient in

medications prepared in the „adjacent territories of the Malays‟ and in 1927 The Strait

Times reported its incorporation for a topically applied medication in use for effective

leprosy treatment. By this time it had already been reportedly used as a medication for

asthma (Hutton, 2014).

Taking this into consideration there are several factors notable to be pointed out.

Marijuana was recognized as a medication in relation to leprosy and was legally applied

to patients. The use of it in relation to asthma also suggests that it was accepted not just

as a topical medication but also for consumption or inhalation. It was not till later that it

was stripped of all legal or accepted uses, disregarding the medical findings presented in

1927. Another point of importance to notice is that Malaysia had by then already long

established a strong following of the Islamic religion. Interestingly however is that most

historical references are made in mention of the „Malays‟ who were known to be of the

Islamic faith. Taking a look back at the information above, it shows clearly the

acceptance of the marijuana plant into the lives of these people for food and herbal


purposes, but also as an important medication; and this is done with religion playing no

role of interference between the medical benefits of the plant and the consumer.

In fact as taken from Christian Rätsch‟s book „Marijuana Medicine: A World

Tour of the Healing and Visionary Powers of Cannabis‟ he referenced Eliande (1975) as

making note of the Malaysian traditional healers known as Bomor, Pawang or Poyang

that incorporated marijuana into various traditional medicines. These traditional healers

still exist today and are recognized by the authorities as was seen during the aftermath of

the plane crash MH370 in 2014 (Tarmizi, 2014)

Historical aspect towards the approach of marijuana medically suggests high

acceptance of its usage by the population regardless of the religion or race. This is similar

to the uses and its acceptance of hashish for centuries within the Islamic world up until

the 19th century (Dixon 1972). When these aspects are considered, further research and

education on the medical aspects of marijuana, could see Malaysia accepting the proven

medical benefits into its healthcare system based upon precedent cases, traditions and

general acceptance to alternative medications.

In regards to legal cases, the case of Kerry Wiley for which the ruling took place

on the 17th January 1991, is of the highest importance in relation to the topic of legal

recognition of marijuana‟s medical properties and also of the possible legalization of

marijuana for the sole purpose of this. In this case it was ruled that the accused, Kerry

Wiley, was in possession of over 250g of marijuana for personal consumption due to

medical reasons concerned with the pain caused by an old shoulder injury. Initially facing

the mandatory death sentence, the judge reduced the sentence to 5 years imprisonment


and 10 strokes of the cane on medical grounds for consumption proven and brought to

defense by Dr. Lester Grinspoon. It was the first time in recorded Malaysian history that

the mandatory death sentence of an accused Schedule 1 drug trafficker was dramatically

reversed entirely on the ground of the medical properties attributed to the substance,

marijuana. The initial 10 strokes of the cane were never imposed (Grinspoon, n.d.).

This case clearly shows the acknowledgement of the medical properties and uses

of marijuana by the Malaysian judicial system and can serve as a standing precedent case

in the defense of legalizing marijuana, or at the least decriminalizing the use of

marijuana, for potential patients in Malaysia. No alterations to existent laws were made

when the ruling of the case took place and currently as no law mentions marijuana for

medical purposes, it is possible to look at an implementation of a new law instead of

troublesomely eliminating existent laws. This seems similar to the case of 1976 that saw

a ray of hope for medical marijuana in the US with the case US v. Randall, whereby

Robert Randall used the Common Law of Necessity to win on grounds of medical need

for marijuana to aid him with his glaucoma, against charges brought against him for

cultivating the plant (Schaffer Online Library of Drug Policy, n.a.).

Some of the current laws applied in Malaysia can serve the purpose of curbing the

black market distribution of marijuana as the authorities and the government organizes

control over a legal, taxed, medical marijuana industry. This could be seen as being

similar to the successful implementation of laws legalizing in general marijuana within

Uruguay in 2013 (Romo, 2014).


In regards to Uruguay, in 2014 they scored 2nd

highest in regards to offering the

best and affordable healthcare services with 96 points out of a 100, rated by the

publication International Living on the Global Retirement Index, 2014. This is the year

right after the legalization of marijuana in the country, and can be considered to be a

booster or at the least not a hindrance in the stability and achievements in this aspect.

Proudly Malaysia scored third after Uruguay and France of the 24 rated countries, with

an impressive score of 95 points. In response to this, Prime Minister Datuk Sei Najib Tun

Razak of Malaysia, posted via twitter “We're already 3rd best in the world for healthcare

services, but let's aim for the best!” (themalaysianinsider.com, 2014).

In regards to a similar aspects he was quoted as having said “I urge healthcare

service providers to leave no stone unturned in pursuing this potential” referring to

Malaysia achieving the reputation of being a regional healthcare hub, taking into

consideration international healthcare tourism (Carvalho, 2014). Yet in another statement,

he again specified at the importance of healthcare systems stating the following,

"Improved welfare and well-being for more than 13 million Malaysian workers will be

our priority to propel the nation forward." (bbc.com, 2013). In each case, the Prime

Minister has stated clear support in the progression of the Malaysian health care system

and its services. The country has also shown great potential of being top of the list in

regards to providing the best and affordable healthcare services. This could be boosted

and achieved with the legalization of medical marijuana within Malaysia. Becoming a

pioneer in this field of the medical system, this can have potentially unexpected positive

results for the country, economically, medically, socially, and even politically, and

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/

http://www.bbc.com/


legally when it is realized that Malaysia recognizes potential and opportunity at further

recognized possible aspect that would strengthen and progress the nation.

There have been made more than once suggestions at the decriminalization of

drugs within Malaysia by key figures on their topics. One was made in relation to the

spread of AIDS by Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman the chairman of the Malaysian AIDS

Foundation, who made clear that despite the religious and cultural differences, Malaysia

may find it necessary to decriminalize drug usage (Loh, 2013).

Similarly on the topic, in 2013 the Minister Nancy Shukri of the Prime Minister‟s

Department was quoted as having told reporters that "instead of looking at drug

dependants as criminals, we should look at them as patients. Instead of bringing them to

jail, we bring them to the clinic.” This was on her approach to the claim that the

government was shifting drug enforced policies towards seeking treatment for drug

dependants rather than prosecuting them (Themalaysianinsider.com, 2013).

This quote was made unspecific to any particular substance that was in question.

Therefore if this quote were to me applied to marijuana users, it would practically hit the

nail on its head. If legalization of medical marijuana for potential patients was in

question, and all accused users of the Schedule 1 drug marijuana were to be taken to the

clinic, it could clearly determine who is potentially applicable for the prescription of

medical marijuana and who is not. Not only could this determine statistical evidence but

it could also be used to screen potential patients for prescription purposes and dispense

medically recognized cards or „Medical Marijuana ID Cards‟ such as was done in

California for identified patients (Associated Press [AP], 2005).


In regards to marijuana directly and the suggestion for change in current policy,

the then MP Zahrain Mohamed Hashim in 2010 requested the government to conduct

studies on and look into the rescheduling of cannabis in Malaysia. His basis for the

request was on the less harmful nature of the plant. However this seems to have never

been adhered to or granted by the Minister of Home Affairs to whom it was aimed at

(Seshata, 2014).

This event is very similar to the circumstances that took place in 1986 when the

then DEA Judge Francis Young recommended for marijuana to be removed from the

Schedule 1 list and be reclassified as a Schedule II drug instead. He had grounded his

case upon the documented uses and positive effects on a variety of very sick patients and

the DEA should not stand between these patients and their medication (Young, 1988). ).

Francis Young‟s recommendation however was shot down by the DEA administration

just a year later (DEA, n.a.). In 1989 the American Medical Association came forward

unanimously requesting the then Attorney General Janet Reno to take heed of Francis

Young‟s recommendation and reschedule marijuana (Rosenfeld, 2010). Similarly also on

the legal reflection of marijuana‟s status in the UK, Lord Perry of Walton (1998)

explained, “We have seen enough evidence to convince us that a doctor might

legitimately want to prescribe cannabis to relieve pain, or the symptoms of multiple

sclerosis (MS), and that the criminal law ought not to stand in the way” (parilament.uk,

1998).

When this is put into the context of Malaysia, if further research is conducted and

results show that physicians are in support of the medical benefits of marijuana, there has

already been a request made at the rescheduling of it by a prominent Member of


Parliament. This would serve the purpose of reinforcing any new claims and suggestions

for the rescheduling of marijuana and its medical acceptance.


6.0 Conclusion

Respondents to the survey have shown clear positive regard to the legalization of

marijuana medically for the benefits of potential patients. This is a strong reflection on

the public opinion held by Malaysians within Selangor who participated within this

particular survey. At a height of 81% in this point of view, it seems logical for the

government to engage in further studies and research on this topic. Many studies and

research findings already exist globally that can be utilized as a source of reference in the

decision making process as well as during discussions of the topic.

For instance in 1996 California legalized the usage of medical marijuana, even

though the substance remained as a Schedule I drug (Pacula, Chriqui, Reichmann &

Terry-McElrath, 2002). Other considerations are already in place elsewhere for the

appropriate usage of medical marijuana as was stated in reference to Canada “Due to the

carcinogenic nature of smoking marijuana we don‟t encourage users to smoke it however

we do suggest alternative methods such as vaporizers, tinctures, or cooking and baking.”

(Medicalmarijuana.ca, n.d.)

These measures if implemented correctly could see the benefits of marijuana

being utilized within Malaysia‟s health care system with great effect and efficiency. In

fact there are already efforts underway in Malaysia aimed at educating the public in the

aspects of medical marijuana while also fighting for the rescheduling of the drug from its

current legal status, and also for its recognition by the government for its medical benefits

and uses (The Hemperor's New Clothes, 2013).


Having discussed and presented all the significant findings from the conducted

survey and analyzing the aspects of past studies, research findings and other published

and discussion materials, it can be concluded that in theory Malaysia is considered a

country with a high possibility for the legalization of medical marijuana for potential

patients. Legal cases, government requests and specialists recommendations in favor of

medical marijuana have all officially been made within the judicial system, government

agencies and by members of parliament. Together with this there is also now existent the

strongly displayed statistics in positive regard towards medical marijuana and its

legalization within Malaysia collected from a total of 150 survey respondents within

Selangor. Even though it is only a small representation of the general population of

Malaysia, this collectively results in contributing public opinion, governmental

recommendations and drug health aspects all collectively pointing towards the possibility

of medical marijuana being made legally available to potential patients in Malaysia.

With further research and studies conducted, this research paper would fulfill its

purpose in providing an overall coverage on the public regard and knowledge of

marijuana held within Selangor, Malaysia. It also serves to provide relevant information

relating marijuana usage to the medical regard held towards it, allowing future

researchers to locally conduct further significant studies on the topic. In aspects of policy

making it provides an insight to previous legalization efforts and their recorded

successfulness globally, relating these with the current obstacles faced within Malaysia.

A relevant reference to this situation can be taken from the regard given to

marijuana by the forth school of Islam, the Hanafi made prior to the 14th century,

claiming that marijuana was not to be labeled the same as „khamr‟ (alcohol) and that


using hashish (marijuana) in small accounts or for medical purposes is acceptable, but not

for intoxication (Dixon, 1972).


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8.0 Appendix

8.1 Questionnaire

Included is given the final survey as was presented in hardcopy format. The online format

provided more guidance to answering certain questions by not providing the opportunity

to skip without having given a response. Questions and introduction to the survey

remained the exact same with no changes made of any kind.


Dear valued participant,

This survey that you are about to partake in is for my final research paper for my Mass

Communication Honours Degree at SEGi University, Kota Damansara. It will not take up more

than a few minutes of your time, with your input very much appreciated and of great value to

this study.

This survey is concerned with the general perception of the Malaysian public on the

topic of Medical Marijuana (marijuana commonly aka ganja/pot/herb/grass) and if it should or

should not be made available to potential patients in Malaysia. The questions will be direct and

simple, starting off with general information moving into further detail with progression.

Current law forbids the use of marijuana for all purposes in this country, with certain

offences carrying a mandatory death sentence. In the meantime, proven medical properties

have been established through further research and have been legalized in independent

countries and states across the globe.

The questions given in this survey will provide information on the general knowledge

and perception that the Malaysian public holds towards this topic. The gathered data will be

used to create a clearer analysis for future references and a stepping stone for other researchers

to conduct further studies on the topic of medical marijuana and its acceptance in Malaysia.

Again, your participation is very much appreciated and I sincerely thank you for your

time. All information will be kept anonymous, private, and confidential.

L. Christian Schmidt


Instructions:

Please answer all questions

Read all questions carefully before answering

Circle appropriate answers or as best related to you

More than one answer may be circled where specified

Please use a pen

Demography

Age:

Sex: Male / Female

Malaysian: Yes / No

State of residence: Selangor / Other

Occupation:

Student of:


General experience and perception

Please state what you understand about medical marijuana:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

1. What do you currently personally regard marijuana as? More than one answer permitted.

A. Illegal drug

B. Plant

C. Medicine

D. Recreational drug

E. Spiritual aid

F. Don’t know

2. Keeping in mind that all of your answers in this survey are confidential, have you, yourself

ever happened to try marijuana?

A. Yes

B. No

If your answer is ‘No’ please skip to question 8

3. If ‘Yes’ what was/is your method of intake? More than one answer permitted.

A. Smoking

B. Ingestion via food or drink


4. If both, which did/do you prefer?

A. Smoking


C. Equally A & B

5. How often do/did you use marijuana?

A. Only tried it

B. Yearly

C. Monthly

D. Weekly

E. Daily

6. What is/has been a major contributing factor for your personal use of marijuana? More than

one answer permitted.

A. Curiosity

B. Relaxation

C. As a form of medication

D. Spiritual elevation

E. Peer pressure

If you are still using marijuana, why do you continue to do so? Please elaborate:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

7. In your opinion, does/did marijuana use have any medical benefits for you? Condition should

be medically diagnosable/identifiable by a doctor.

A. Yes

B. No

C. Don’t know


Question 8

8. Do you believe marijuana consumption, if legal, to be generally dangerous?

A. Yes

B. No

Please elaborate your answer:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

9. Which is the least harmful of these substances in your opinion?

A. Alcohol

B. Marijuana

C. Cigarettes

Why do you think so? Please elaborate:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Medical marijuana

10. Do you think marijuana has legitimate medical uses?

A. Yes

B. No

Please elaborate your answer:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________


11. Do you know of any diseases/condition/illnesses that use medical marijuana as a form of

treatment?

A. Yes

B. No

If ‘Yes’, please list down the ones you know:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

12. In your opinion, do you know of anyone that you think could benefit off using medical

marijuana?

A. Yes

B. No

C. Don’t know


A. Yes

B. No

If ‘Yes’ please list down the ones you know:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Malaysia and marijuana


A. Yes

B. No


15. In your opinion, should medical marijuana be made legally available for potential patients in

Malaysia?

A. Yes

B. No

Please state the reason for your answer:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you once again for your participation as this study’s made possible only thanks to you.

Sincerely,

L. Christian Schmidt


8.2 Questionnaire references where applicable

Question 2

Keeping in mind that all of your answers in this survey are confidential, have you,

yourself ever happened to try marijuana?

Question 2 reference

(63.) Keeping in mind that all of your answers in this survey are confidential, have you,

yourself ever happened to try marijuana? (Quinnipiac University, 2014)

Question 3

If „Yes‟ what was/is your method of intake? More than one answer permitted.

A. Smoking



(13a) In what form have you usually taken cannabis for medical reasons?

- eaten as a cooked recipe (biscuits, cookies etc)

- drunk as tea

(Swift, n.d.)


Question 4

If both, which did/do you prefer?

A. Smoking


C. Equally A & B


Considering all the ways you have tried cannabis, which way helps or helped you most

with your medical condition?

(Swift, n.d.)

Question 6

What is/has been a major contributing factor for your personal use of marijuana? More

than one answer permitted.

A. Curiosity

B. Relaxation

C. As a form of medication

D. Spiritual elevation

E. Peer pressure

http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/australia_questionnaire.pdf



(312) Why did you try it? (survey on alcohol and marijuana)

[ ] TO EXPERIMENT

[ ] TO EASE FRUSTRATION

[ ] TO GAIN SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

[ ] DON‟T KNOW

[ ] NO RESPONSE

(Douglas, 2006)

Question 7

In your opinion, does/did marijuana use have any medical benefits for you? Condition

should be medically diagnosable/identifiable by a doctor.


Are you still using cannabis for any medical condition(s)? Yes/No

(Swift, n.d.)

http://www.gov.gd/egov/pdf/ncodc/docs/A_Sociological_Analysis_of_Alcohol_and_Marijuana_use_among....pdf


Question 9

Which is the least harmful of these substances in your opinion?

D. Alcohol

E. Marijuana

F. Cigarettes


"Which of the following substances would you say is the MOST harmful to a person's

overall health: tobacco, alcohol, sugar, or marijuana?"

(CBS News Poll, 2015)

Question 10

Do you think marijuana has legitimate medical uses?

C. Yes

D. No


"Do you think marijuana does or does not have legitimate medical uses?"

(CBS News Poll, 2015)


Question 11

Do you know of any diseases/condition/illnesses that use medical marijuana as a form of

treatment?


Please indicate those conditions for which you have used cannabis in an attempt to gain

relief. (please tick those that apply)

(Swift, n.d.)

Question 15

In your opinion, should medical marijuana be made legally available for potential



Do you [support or oppose] allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes if

prescribed by

a doctor?

(Goucher Poll, 2013)


BIODATA OF AUTHOR

Lilian Christian Schmidt was born on the 14th of October, 1990 in the Waiblingen

hospital, Germany. He is the last of three siblings and took residence in Selangor,

Malaysia in the year 1995. After having completed primary and high-school in Fairview

International School, Ampang, he graduated with O‟ level certification in 2008. In 2010

he had completed his Foundation in Arts from HELP College University, after switching

from the Foundation in Science course. After having travelled and spent some time

abroad, in 2012 he decided to undertake the Degree in Bachelor of Mass Communication

(Hons) majoring in Advertising, at SEGi University, Kota Damansara. Travelling and

experiencing different cultures and lifestyles is a standing passion of his, while the search

for knowledge and opportunity for positive change and public service announcements

have become a form of personal habit.