Today, June 28th, the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand issued a statement outlining its position opposing the use of cannabis for non-medical uses.
Teera Chakajnarodom, president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand, signed the statement, which also encouraged the government to reassess the legalization of cannabis if adverse health effects or consequences on society were discovered within 30 days.
The Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage has the following concerns and recommendations in order to balance the use of medicinal cannabis plants and prevent issues that may arise from consuming cannabis without a specific law that may have a significant negative impact on the nation in terms of economy, society, and public health both in the short and long term:
1. Due to the possibility that cannabis and marijuana may affect the efficacy of some medications and cause severe reactions that could be life-threatening, cannabis should not be used by children and young people under the age of 20, pregnant or nursing women, people with a history of marijuana allergies, people in sensitive groups, or patients who use certain medications that may interact with cannabis.
2. Cannabis should only be prescribed for medical causes and not for recreational usage. There should be no further “recreational zones” proposals.
3. After decriminalization, the government should urge pertinent organizations to conduct ongoing, thorough monitoring of the impacts of cannabis usage on plant users. Additionally, they should accurately warn the public of any risks and adverse effects associated with utilizing the plant.
4. There should be mechanisms in place to regulate the manufacturing and distribution of foods and other goods that include cannabis. Restaurants must inform customers if any of their meals or drinks contain cannabis.
5. People and all employees must be responsible and alert, refraining from operating machinery or operating a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.
6. All relevant organizations, such as the government, the ministry of public health, and educational institutions, should promote social responsibility through social responsibility campaigns and the outlawing of “inflorescences” for abuse, consumption, or combining in any forms of food and beverages.
7. In keeping with the goal of the legalization of cannabis, the government and associated agencies must reassure and foster public confidence that they can implement the tough law to protect people’s safety.
8. According to the Association, cannabis “for medical use” is generally accepted to be better for public health than cannabis used recreationally. As a result, the plant is restricted to use for medical purposes solely in the majority of developed nations, with a few exceptions in some regions.
9. The Pharmaceutical Association of Thailand, which is supported by the royal family, wants to condemn the use of marijuana for anything other than medical needs. Healthcare professionals and the general public can seek guidance from the Association on drug-related topics including how to utilize medicinal cannabis effectively.
10. To increase public knowledge of the true goals of legalization and to lessen the risk of cannabis usage or harmful effects, particularly in vulnerable groups and young patients, the government should consider using the phrase “Medical Marijuana/Cannabis” instead of “Marijuana/Cannabis.”
