Review Article
Year: 2021 | Month: October-December | Volume: 6 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 252-260
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20211036
The Use of Medical Cannabis on Cancer in Thailand
Sirisopha Ekarattanawong1, Varissara Ketphan2, Yada Rojcharoenchai3
1Suankularbwittayalai Rangsit School, 2Triamudom Suksa School, 3Saipanya Rangsit School, Thailand
Corresponding Author: Sirisopha Ekarattanawong
ABSTRACT
The objective of this paper is to indicate the beneficial utility of medical marijuana. Marijuana throughout history is known for its property to alternate consciousness. However, the medical utilization of marijuana or cannabis was dated as far back as 2900 BC, when it was used by Emperor Ru Hsi of Ancient Chinese. During the 19th century, marijuana was introduced to Western Medicine as a therapeutic drug, mostly known for its pain control properties. Marijuana by itself consists of more than 100 active components. In consideration of the amount of THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychological chemical released by the glands of marijuana plants, CBD or cannabidiol, amongst the most prevalent ingredients in cannabis, is the least controversial extract extracted from the marijuana plants to be used. As of the year 2019, Thailand Narcotics Act legalized cannabis for medical use in Thailand. A study survey conducted by N.Z. shows that in just over a year, 20% of the patients report the use of cannabis for medical purposes regarding its benefits of neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, Aids-related cachexia, intractable epilepsy, and palliative care conditions. Further clinical trials are conducted to further perceive the potential cannabis has on treating cancer. One of the two successful clinical trials that have been published proposes that cannabis may make it possible to treat brain cancer with few side effects.
Keywords: Cancer, Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), Medical Usage, Cannabis in Thailand.