Legalisation of marijuana boosts organisations’ interest in research

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Legalisation of marijuana boosts organisations’ interest in research

By THE NATION

 

File photo

 

THE RECENT legalisation of medical marijuana has spurred active efforts to develop the herb’s medicinal properties.

 

Several organisations have unveiled their plans. For instance, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has said it hopes to start producing cannabinoid medicines on an industrial level, while several universities have rushed to forge collaboration with the Khao Kwan Foundation, which has long experimented with marijuana-based medicines. 

 

“We already have a cannabis farm, and crops will be harvested for the production of marijuana oil in July,” GPO chairman Dr Sopon Mekthon said last week.

He added that cannabinoid medicines will also be produced on a semi-industrial level at a plant in Pathum Thani. So far, Bt120 million has been earmarked for this project, he |said. 

 

“We are now in the process of seeking a fast-track approval from the National Economic and Social Development Board,” Sopon said, adding that the GPO was also seeking Bt3 billion to build a 1,500-rai (240 hectares) herb and marijuana facility in Chon Buri province. “We will hold serious discussions on this soon,” he added. 

 

Study on specialised use

 

Dr Somsak Akksilp, director general of the Medical Services Department, is scheduled to conduct research on the specialised use of marijuana. 

 

“For instance, we will focus on using cannabis extract for skin conditions such as cancer, inflammation and psoriasis,” he said, adding that his department is keen to conduct research in collaboration with the civil sector, educational institutes and more. Dr Pramote Stienrut, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said his agency had already found partners to grow cannabis. 

 

“We have also found partners for the production of medical marijuana,” he said, adding that judging by estimates from practitioners of traditional medicine, up to 10 tonnes of cannabis will be required per year. 

 

Meanwhile, Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences announced that it was partnering with Khon Kaen University and Rangsit University to conduct research on marijuana oil based on the approach taken by Kwan Khao Foundation president, Decha Siriphat. 

 

Asst Professor Rungpetch Sakulbumrungs, dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said the short-term goal was to ensure that patients dependant on marijuana could continue using cannabis once the amnesty period expires on May 19. 

 

“We also have medium- and long-term goals. If our study delivers good results, we may be able to register what we develop into a new traditional medication,” she said. 

 

Rungpetch added that several faculties at Chulalongkorn University will work together to develop different varieties of cannabis for extracts. 

 

“We are looking into ways of getting cannabis oil without having to grow the plant,” she said, adding that the study will also cover the safety of using extracts as well as the side-effects of cannabinoid medicines. 

 

Earlier this year, the government legalised medical marijuana citing research suggesting that cannabis can be beneficial in treating certain conditions. Arthit Ourairat, president of Rangsit University, said his institute has been researching cannabis for the past three |years. 

 

“We have all the facilities and equipment, which we procured for close to Bt40 million,” he said. 

 

Food and Drug Administration’s secretary-general, Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, said Rangsit University was also in the process of seeking permission to grow cannabis and produce medical marijuana. 

 

“Many other agencies are doing the same,” he said, adding that the law now allows groups, networks and foundations to join state agencies in researching and developing cannabinoid medicines. Such partnerships will create more knowledge in the field,” Tares added.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30368953

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-05-07

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[ThaiPauly]

This is at last some good news for people that are needlessly suffering when cananaboids can help.

 

I just wonder how long it will be before these written words turn into widespread availability.

 

Very soon I hope

[whaleboneman]

“We are looking into ways of getting cannabis oil without having to grow the plant,”

 

In Canada that's called a grow-rip.

[Nyezhov]

I just want a bag of chronic for gods sake. Or some oil, or wax.

 

You guys have no idea how nice it is to have dispensaries and not have to hunt down a unreliable plug.

 

I flew up to Boston the other day to stock up. Tasty waxes.

[from the home of CC]

foreigners will be last in line for medical marijuana relief, ptp but I won't be holding my breath..

[jollyhangmon]

29 minutes ago, Nyezhov said:

I just want a bag of chronic for gods sake. Or some oil, or wax.

 

You guys have no idea how nice it is to have dispensaries and not have to hunt down a unreliable plug.

 

I flew up to Boston the other day to stock up. Tasty waxes.

 

... ye lucky basterd!

 

[Nyezhov]

1 minute ago, jollyhangmon said:

 

... ye lucky basterd!

 

yeah except add to the prices $80 fr airfare, $13 for Trains and $40 for taxis. So ya buy the limits ????

[from the home of CC]

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-cashes-in-on-the-cannabis-boom-5710854/

 

China is going the same route and as in Thailand has no interest in the development of the recreational side of cannabis (re CBD with no THC). I can imagine what kind of substandard crap that will be produced.

[RickTik]

[RickTik]

[ramr]

Legitimate scientists and researchers will have humanitarian and intellectual reasons for studying this.

 

But guess where the funding money will come from, ultimately. 

 

And, yes.  Farangs still be last in line, though that's nothing a backhander or outrageous dual-pricing scheme won't fix....   A farang's best hope for legitimate medicinal cannabis may well still be the black market, which will receive a trickle down effect from the legal medicinal market.

 

Lots of money to be creamed off of human suffering.  Hope I'm wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DrTuner]

3 hours ago, ThaiPauly said:

 

I just wonder how long it will be before these written words turn into widespread availability.

 

Very soon I hope

About 2mins after legalization somchai would sell you a bag of pharma grade. Weed grows fast around here.

[DrTuner]

2 hours ago, from the home of CC said:

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-cashes-in-on-the-cannabis-boom-5710854/

 

China is going the same route and as in Thailand has no interest in the development of the recreational side of cannabis (re CBD with no THC). I can imagine what kind of substandard crap that will be produced.

All work and no play makes Wu a dull boy.