Thusday, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has announced that three types of cannabis oil have been deemed essential medicines, reported Thaiger.

The addition of cannabis oil to the country’s National List of Essential Medicines, or NLEM, allows physicians at 893 public hospitals to freely prescribe cannabis extract oil to patients under certain circumstances. It would also make the drug more accessible in Thailand, with the government covering the costs if prescribed in a public hospital.

The oil will be used for help cancer patients who suffer from side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and vomiting, as well as for relieve pain in terminally ill patients.

Currently there is 1,173 marijuana clinics nationwideaccording to Anutin Charnvirakulthe Minister of Public Health.

“It is gratifying that all three formulations of medical cannabis extract oils have been included in the NLEM,” said Charnvirakul, who recently revealed plans to donate one million marijuana plants. “On May 14, it will not only provide patients with more health care options, but will help strengthen national medicine. It will also reduce the cost of importing expensive drugs from abroad.”

Types of cannabis oil

the first kind marijuana oil contains a higher percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while the second solution contains a higher level of CBD or cannabidiol.

the the third type of cannabis oil has a balanced ratio of THC and CBD, according to Dr. Nathakan Suwanpiddokul, pharmacist for the GPO.

Thailand’s Legalization Efforts

Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize medical cannabis in 2018. In January, it became the first country in Asia to allow marijuana. The new regulations, which officially come into effect on June 9, allow residents to grow cannabis for personal use.

Under the law, registered businesses are allowed to sell cannabis products containing less than 0.2% THC.

Minister Charnvirakul recently stated that under the new regulations individuals can operate marijuana-related businesses. He highlighted the benefits of commercial cannabis cultivation.

“This will enable people and the government to generate more than 10 billion baht ($289.46 million) [per year] marijuana and hemp revenue,” Charnvirakul said. “Meanwhile, people can showcase their cannabis and hemp-related products and wisdom and sell their products nationwide.

Photo: Courtesy of CRISTALWEED Cannabis on Unsplash