Cannabis gives traditional Thai medicine second wind

Age-old formulas approved by Bangkok for use, but risks remain

Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation is producing cannabis oil products (above).
Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation is producing cannabis oil products (above). PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Dr Ganja, Thailand's medical cannabis mascot (above), welcomed patients in January to the government's first full-time medical cannabis clinic. It is located in Nonthaburi province, on the grounds of the Ministry of Public Health.
Dr Ganja, Thailand's medical cannabis mascot (above), welcomed patients in January to the government's first full-time medical cannabis clinic. It is located in Nonthaburi province, on the grounds of the Ministry of Public Health. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Patients waiting to register for cannabidiol, or CBD, oil treatment at the opening of the clinic.
Patients waiting to register for cannabidiol, or CBD, oil treatment at the opening of the clinic. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Tan Hui Yee Indochina Bureau Chief In Bangkok
Updated
Mar 16, 2020, 12:49 PM
Published
Mar 16, 2020, 05:00 AM
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There was a stranger lying on the examination bed just next to my seat. This was unnerving, but my doctor was in a hurry.

Having taken my pulse and determined the source of my headaches, he looked on expectantly while I cleared my throat.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 16, 2020, with the headline Cannabis gives traditional Thai medicine second wind. Subscribe

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