It was with grief that we heard of the death of Musa bin Hassan Pedersen, who suffered from cerebral palsy, at the age of 16.

Musa’s condition deteriorated as a result of breathing difficulties, a situation that may have been avoided if cannabis therapy were legal in Indonesia.

The country’s Narcotics Law, one of the world’s strictest drug regulations, bans the use cannabis, even for medical purposes and even as some other countries move in the opposite direction.

Thailand, for example, approved marijuana for medical use and research in December 2018, the first legalization of the drug in Asia, which is known for having among the strictest drug laws in the world.

In some communities in Indonesia, cannabis has been used as traditional medicine for centuries.

While the tough law may prevent rampant illegal drug trafficking and widespread drug abuse, especially of synthetic drugs like crystal methamphetamine, it has failed to protect vulnerable citizens like Musa.

Musa underwent cannabis therapy in Australia for a month in 2016, and it reportedly improved his health demonstrably. The therapy helped him release phlegm that, during the last days of his life, made it hard for him to breathe.     

But it was impossible for his mother, Dwi Pertiwi, to get similar medication for her son in Indonesia because even the smallest violation could result in major punishment.  

The use of cannabis is punishable by up to four years in prison in the country, and the illegal possession of marijuana is punishable by a maximum of 12 years in prison and Rp 8 billion (US$569,795) in fines.

Producing, exporting, importing or distributing marijuana can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a Rp 10 billion fine. Those found guilty of being involved in the “marijuana trade” can face life sentences and a Rp 10 billion fine.

Musa’s death should serve as a reminder that the medicinal use of cannabis is worthy of consideration. Studies have shown that crude extracts of marijuana and purified chemicals derived from or based on the plant can help reduce pain in patients with severe illnesses. Of course, these treatments warrant caution with regard to potential adverse health effects. 

Dwi is currently challenging the 2009 Narcotics Law at the Constitutional Court alongside two other mothers fighting for their ill children: Santi Warastuti, who has a 12-year-old with Japanesse encephalitis, and Nafiah Murhayati, who has a 10-year-old with epilepsy and spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.

The work of the mothers and the pain of their severely ill children may be lessened if the justices and the government sympathize with their cause. And they are not alone. Many others in the country struggle to cope with painful or terminal illnesses.   

A law should not simply combat societal ills; it should also protect citizens. Without compassion and sensibility, a law may hurt instead of heal. 

Popular

PDI-P will likely be part of opposition: Ganjar

Indonesia one step from Olympics after beating South Korea

Bahlil leads task force to boost sugar, bioethanol production in Papua