An educational push towards science-based cannabis reform
The SIBAKUM Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to legal advocacy and public education, has recently launched a new e-book to inform Indonesians about Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa. This publication is part of the foundation’s broader effort to strengthen national health and legal literacy by offering a balanced and research-backed perspective on CBD.
Currently, the e-book is available exclusively in the Indonesian language, reflecting SIBAKUM’s immediate priority to reach local audiences, including policymakers, medical professionals, educators, and the general public. However, recognizing the growing international interest in Indonesia’s cannabis reform discourse, the foundation has expressed openness to releasing an English version of the e-book in the future. DOWNLOAD THE FREE E-BOOK HERE.
Reframing Policy through Science
At the heart of the e-book is a call for reform grounded in scientific evidence.
Anang Iskandar, former head of Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), stresses the need to shift from punitive policies to ones that support medical research and public well-being.
“Narcotics policy should not rely solely on repression,” he states. “We need to create space for medical and scientific research, particularly for compounds like CBD that have shown therapeutic potential, Dr.
This sentiment sets the tone for the publication, which advocates for a more compassionate and knowledge-driven approach to drug regulation.
CBD in Global Context
CBD has been recognized for its medical applications in many countries. Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom are among those countries that have legalized it for clinical use, supported by a growing body of international research. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that CBD is non-addictive and carries therapeutic benefits, including for conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, chronic pain and inflammation.
In contrast, Indonesia continues to treat CBD as a Class I narcotic, heavily restricting its use and research despite mounting global evidence to the contrary.
Bridging the Public Knowledge Gap
To challenge this disconnect, SIBAKUM’s e-book provides a structured and accessible overview of CBD, clarifying what it is, how it works, and how it differs from psychoactive cannabis components. The publication is aimed at policymakers, healthcare providers, legal practitioners, educators, and the general public, offering a foundational resource to foster well-informed dialogue.
Viqqi Kurnianda, Ph.D., secretary of SIBAKUM and a researcher at Japan’s Ryukyus University, highlights the urgency of catching up with international developments:
“CBD has a well-documented safety profile and is non-addictive. Its benefits in treating various health conditions are supported by strong global research,” he asserts.
A Legal and Ethical Imperative
Beyond the science, the publication also presents a legal argument for reform. Dr[c]. Singgih Tomi Gumilang, S.H., M.H., chairman of SIBAKUM and a doctoral candidate in law, calls for a legal system that aligns with current scientific understanding and public health needs.
“Our outdated laws prevent access to potentially life-saving treatments,” he notes. “Reforming the legal framework is essential to uphold the public’s constitutional right to health.”
Free and Open Access
The e-book is available for free download via SIBAKUM’s official Instagram account: @yayasansibakum. It will also be circulated to educational institutions, professional organizations, and government stakeholders across the country.
By shedding light on the science and global practices surrounding CBD, this initiative invites Indonesia to consider a more evidence-based and inclusive approach to medical cannabis—one that places public health and human rights at its core.
