Thailand authorizes the use of opium and hallucinogenic mushrooms for medical and research purposes

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has authorized the use of opium and psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, for medical treatment and research purposes.

This decision, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday April 23, 2024, was signed by the Minister of Public Health, Mr. Cholnan Srikaew, and came into force the following day.

Opium and magic mushrooms are now classified as category 5 narcotics, unlike cannabis and hemp extracts. In 2018, they were authorized for experimental purposes.

Previously, the ministry had removed the kratom, cannabis and hemp from the category 5 list, leaving only than opium, magic mushrooms and cannabis and hemp extracts with a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content of over 0.2%.

The directive stipulates that category 5 drugs, excluding cannabis and hemp extracts, are authorized for medical and research purposes. This was made possible by invoking article 24 and article 58 of the Narcotics Code.

This measure reflects greater acceptance of certain narcotics for controlled medical use and research. It will enable scientists to study the possible health benefits of these substances, and doctors to use them for specific medical treatments.

In addition to this major change in Thai drug policy, last March the Thai Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) introduced a new anti-addiction program using CBD-rich cannabis oil.