The cabinet approved a draft amendment to the 1979 Narcotics Act to legalise cannabis for medical and research purposes in Thailand. However, all use of the drug will be kept under strict control. Government. Government spokesman Buddhipongse Punnakanta said the amended version of the act will "level up" marijuana to a Category 2 drug from its current Category 5 status. Mr Buddhipongse said this means the draft amendment to the law will allow the use, import and export, as well as possession of marijuana exclusively for medical purposes. (See also: Cabinet gives green signal for medical use of marijuana but seeks 5-year review)