The Medical Council of Thailand has issued a warning against cannabis-based foods and snacks, arguing that they have unnecessarily overwhelmed emergency services in hospitals.
Since Thailand decriminalized cannabis on June 9, many people have suffered acute illness, hallucinations, and even harmed themselves or others after consuming food made from the plant, the council wrote on its official Facebook account.
Consequently, the load on emergency rooms has increased unnecessarily, it added.
The council went on by saying: “Do not add cannabis or hemp to food or snacks for people to consume,” clarifying that the message aimed at all types of consumers.
Medical experts also issued a public reminder that cannabis should not be used by pregnant or nursing women or people aged 25 and under because of the potential damage it can cause to young brains. Marijuana has been proven to have negative effects on brain growth and development in children and young people, the council added.
It also cautioned against the recreational use of cannabis, reminding the public that using the plant’s bubs can harm their health.
Thailand authorized people to use marijuana for medical purposes. However, health specialists advised against using cannabis as the first choice to treat illnesses.
The council insisted that cannabis and its derivative products should only be used to temporarily relieve symptoms, as the plant cannot cure any disease.
In another related development, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed his Bhumjaithai Party had a cannabis decriminalization policy during its last election campaign that could not be discarded when it won 40-50 House seats and entered the government.
According to Mr. Anutin, the party’s leader, the policy was successfully implemented because people understood that its objective was to contribute to medicine for health.
However, he said using cannabis for recreational purposes was an “abuse.”
The cannabis-related measures implemented by the government facilitate the investigation by security forces into the plant’s overuse or abuse, he insisted. Currently, Thai controls can punish people who violate regulations on marijuana sale and consumption, including those who provide cannabis or derivative products to youngsters under 20, with imprisonment or fines.
Moreover, those who want to grow cannabis must properly register under government guidelines. However, they should think very carefully before deciding to grow the plant at home if they have children, Mr. Anutin added.
