Thailand: hospitals will now be able to produce traditional cannabis-based medicines

Thai provincial hospitals will now be able to prepare traditional medicines using cannabis, according to a statement from the Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine of Thailand.

The department has authorized hospitals, formerly known as clinics suk sala, to produce traditional medicines based on 16 approved recipes that include cannabis as a key ingredient, has declared Marut Jirasetthasiri, director general of the department. Hospitals will be required to have an expert in traditional Thai medicine on staff to prepare their medications.

Dr. Marut stated that hospitals would be free to produce medications that they believe can effectively treat certain common illnesses in their communities.

The Thailand legalized medical cannabis in 2018. Since then, 291 units have been installed in state-run medical facilities across the country to dispense cannabis-based medications, and more than 60,000 treatment cycles have been provided to patients this year. Dr. Marut said that demand for cannabis-based medicines continues to rise, prompting the department to authorize 152 hospitals to increase their cannabis supplies to serve an additional 15,000 patients. Four pilot hospitals—Khlong Muang in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Pin in Udon Thani, Ban Nayor Nua in Sakon Nakhon, and Ban Na Pakor in Phatthalung—grow their own cannabis.

The Ministry of Public Health also cultivates cannabis in strictly controlled environments in Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Pathum Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Ratchasima.