Marijuana can be beneficial for Malaysians,and even help ease tension over various issues in the country, said an Umno man.

"Currently Malaysians are living with a lot of tension. (They're worried) about the cost of living and the country's leadership.

"Nowadays, even if someone cheats you of RM50, a lot can happen. [...] So I believe (legalising marijuana) can help (ease the situation)," Syed Rosli Jamalulail told Malaysiakini .

Citing his experience of living in the Netherlands, where marijuana use is legal, the Pusat Bandar Taman Chempaka Umno Youth assistant secretary said the Dutch are relaxed and the crime rate is low.

According to Syed Rosli (photo) , the key to safe marijuana use is moderation.

"You have to use the right dosage. Even teh tarik , if you drink it four times a day, though tea is good for you, can cause diabetes," he argued.

Yesterday, a Youth Parliament Selangor representative Muhamad Ridhwan Muhamad Rosli proposed the decriminalisation of marijuana, stating there are youths who do not consider it a drug.

He also noted that marijuana is legal in the United States and Australia, which are parties to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar however warned that marijuana could be a gateway drug to more dangerous substances.

Commenting on this, Syed Rosli asked for proof that marijuana use leads to the abuse of other drugs.

He also questioned why marijuana is illegal, but cigarettes and alcohol are not.

"Cigarettes and alcohol can be dangerous and lethal. No one has died because of marijuana," he added.

The Umno man said using marijuana, besides its calming properties, also has medical benefits, including treating cancer.