Thailand plans to use marijuana for medical purposes

BANGKOK, May 12 (TNA) - After several countries have used marijuana for medication, Thailand is now seriously conducted a study and has prepared to use it for medical purposes. Four committees have been established and the first meeting was held last week, attended by Public Health Minister Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, Dr. Sophon Mekthon, chairman of Government Pharmaceutical Organisation and advisor to the minister. Dr. Sophon said the committee members will be responsible for conducting the study on what diseases could be cured by marijuana plant. In the preliminary stage, marijuana will be used for treating diseases which are certified by several countries such as Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy and the final stages of cancer, said Dr. Sophon. Marijuana plants will be grown by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation for medical purposes and it is projected that about 500 kilogrammes of dried marijuana could be yielded per year, he said. Marijuana is considered as one of the narcotics in Thailand and the law has to be amended if it can be used for treating diseases in the kingdom. (TNA)