Ipsos: 55% of Global Citizens Believe Medical Marijuana Will Be Legal in 10 Years

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has requested that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) prepare a fatwa on the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

According to Ma'ruf, although there is a previous MUI fatwa prohibiting the use of cannabis, the MUI needs to make an exception for health purposes.

"I ask the MUI to immediately prepare the fatwa as a guideline, so that it is not excessive and causes harm," said Ma'ruf, as reported on the official website of the Indonesian Vice President, Tuesday (28/6/2022).

Previously, Ipsos released a survey report showing that 55% of respondents from a total of 26 countries believe that the use of medical cannabis will be legal within the next 10 years.

Although it did not involve Indonesia, this survey result reflects the views of citizens in many countries regarding medical cannabis.

In Canada, for example, 83% of respondents believe that medical cannabis will be legal worldwide in the next 10 years.

Next, South Africa at 82%, the United States at 81%, Australia at 75%, and Chile at 74%.

On the other hand, Japan has the smallest percentage. Only 9% of Japanese respondents feel that medical cannabis will be legal in the next 10 years.

In Indonesia itself, the use of medical cannabis is again being debated after a mother named Santi Warastuti held a peaceful action during the Car Free Day (CFD) at Bundaran HI, Jakarta, Sunday (26/6/2022).

Santi admitted that she needs cannabis for the treatment of her child who suffers from cerebral palsy, a brain disorder that causes impaired muscles, movement, and body coordination.

(Also Read: Cannabis Industry Could Contribute Up to Rp14 Trillion in Taxes Per Year)