Thailand unveils first batch of medical marijuana for hospital distribution

Reuters (UK)
Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Thailand delivered 4,500 bottles of cannabis oil to treat hospital patients, its first official use of marijuana for medical purposes since a measure legalising such use took effect this year. Thailand, which has a tradition of using cannabis to relieve pain and fatigue, legalised marijuana for medical use and research last year to help boost agricultural income. The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) delivered the bottles to the public health ministry to distribute to hospitals for about 4,000 registered patients, with a further 2,000 bottles to be distributed this month. "This is the outcome of legalising medical cannabis," said deputy prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the public health minister. "There is no hidden agenda. We only want to support every patient."