The southern border province of Satun has launched a pilot project in Thung Wa district to cultivate cannabis for medical purposes and processing into herbal products.
The pilot project came after a health center in Thung Wa had joined a community enterprise in seeking a cannabis cultivation license for medical use. The first cannabis cultivation plot in Satun is located at Ban Saphan Wa in Pa Kae Bo Hin subdistrict, Thung Wa district.
Satun Governor Ekkarat Leesen recently presided over a ceremony to cut a cannabis cola, or bud, marking the start of boosting cannabis cultivation in Satun for medical purposes. Also joining the ceremony were the Thung Wa District Chief Officer, the Director of the Satun Health Office, and a member of parliament from Satun.
The Satun Governor said that, today cannabis has been used for both modern and traditional medicines. This medicinal plant may help treat a range of illnesses and symptoms, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, epilepsy, insomnia, and pain from nerve damage.
Cannabis use of medical purposes would also help reduce drug importation. The plant is also being promoted as Thailand’s new cash crop to generate income for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Households are now allowed to grow cannabis plants for medical purposes and making food and health products to supplement their income, but they have to comply with related laws and regulations and seek permission from the authorities of the Food and Drug Administration.
The law does not permit individuals to cultivate cannabis so, in order to grow cannabis legally, they have to form a community enterprise.
Source: The Government Public Relations Department