The National Council for Peace and Order is mulling invoking Article 44 of the interim Constitution to resolve the problem over marijuana patents, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in his capacity as the council chairman.

However, said that the junta had to approach the problem with caution and would have to take into consideration international laws, noting that marijuana is not only available in Thailand but in many other countries around the world.

“Resolving the problem must not lead to another problem as that will affect the government.  Regarding the use of Article 44, we are in the process of working out details,” said the prime minister.

Academics and green groups have been demanding the government to revoke applications for patents of marijuana extracts by foreign companies.

A few applications for patent of marijuana extracts are still pending with the Department of Intellectual Property.

Tags:  NCPO, marijuana patent, Article 44