Ganja Smoking Approved for 15 Specific Ailments, According to DTAM List

Thailand Allows Medical Cannabis Prescriptions for 15 Conditions, With Flexibility for Additional Cases

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) has announced a list of 15 medical conditions for which doctors can issue prescriptions for patients to buy marijuana buds. This move comes after the Public Health Ministry classified cannabis buds as a controlled herb, available only with a medical prescription, which took effect on Thursday.

The 15 conditions include chronic pain, spasms, cramps, joint pain, muscle stiffness, cancer, nausea and vomiting, Parkinson's disease, seizures, asthma, insomnia, loss of appetite, general anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. Beyond these pre-approved conditions, prescribing professionals retain discretion to consider additional medical conditions on a case-by-case basis for ganja prescriptions.

The DTAM will offer online training for relevant practitioners to ensure they prescribe cannabis use appropriately. The prescription form, yet to be published in the Royal Gazette, will specify the quantity of cannabis to be used per day, and each prescription cannot authorize the use of more than a 30-day supply at a time.

The prescription form will also list the names and medical license numbers of the practitioners. Seven types of licensed medical practitioners will be authorized to approve the purchase of cannabis through the prescription form: medical doctors, traditional medicine doctors, applied traditional medicine doctors, dentists, pharmacists, Chinese traditional medicine doctors, and folk healers.

The Public Health Ministry has not yet clarified whether online training will be mandatory for all the seven types of licensed medical practitioners. Similarly, the ministry has not yet issued a directive regarding the specific quantity of cannabis that can be prescribed per day or the limit on the number of days' supply. The ministry has also not stated whether there will be any penalties for violating the prescription guidelines for cannabis use.

This flexible approach reflects the latest 2025 regulations where cannabis is classified as a controlled substance, strictly requiring a medical prescription from licensed healthcare professionals. The government allows these professionals to use their judgment to prescribe cannabis for conditions not explicitly enumerated among the initial 15, to accommodate patients with other medical needs.

In summary, there are 15 officially recognized conditions for medical cannabis use in Thailand. Healthcare professionals can prescribe cannabis for additional conditions beyond this list based on patient needs. All use is medically supervised under these strict regulations implemented in 2025. The 15 conditions are those that doctors may consider for prescribing ganja buds, and the DTAM will design a prescription form for purchasing cannabis buds, to be published in the Royal Gazette within two days.

The move towards medical cannabis prescriptions in Thailand emphasizes the interconnection between sport and health, as its therapeutic properties could potentially aid athletes with chronic pain, seizures, and other approved conditions.
In terms of workplace-wellness, the availability of cannabis-based treatments could help employees with health-related issues like anxiety, depression, and insomnia to maintain productivity.
The use of medical cannabis as a treatment for cancer could be a game-changer in the field of science, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations in cancer care.
As sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, cannabis could potentially serve as a solution for individuals suffering from conditions like insomnia, thus promoting better sleep health.
In light of the permissiveness for prescribing cannabis for additional medical conditions, the potential for remedying other medical conditions such as digestive health, eye-health, hearing, and skin-conditions becomes a possibility.
With cannabis' role in treating nausea and vomiting,patients undergoing chemotherapy or certain surgeries could find relief, improving their nutrition and overall health during recovery.
The decision to classify cannabis as a controlled herb and allow its use for therapeutic purposes signifies a significant step forward in health-and-wellness, raising hope for those suffering from chronic diseases like asthma, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
The approval of cannabis for the treatment of neurological disorders such as seizures, Alzheimer's, and depression could help reduce the occurrence and impact of mental-health issues, especially in men and women with these conditions.
The flexible approach towards cannabis prescription could open up promising avenues for men's health, addressing prostate issues, and sexual-health concerns associated with chronic diseases or medical conditions.
Furthermore, with the potential of cannabis treatments for autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, and skin-conditions such as psoriasis, the future of dermatology and skin-care could see remarkable advancements.
The implementation of medicare policies covering medical cannabis could tremendously improve the quality of life for senior citizens dealing with health-related issues, as well as provide adequate treatment options for various chronic diseases and conditions.
As a natural remedy with limited side-effects, the rise in popularity of CBD as a treatment option for several medical conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy, could help reduce the reliance on more traditional prescription medications.
While the potential benefits of cannabis treatments are promising, it's essential to approach their use with caution, as they could interact negatively with other medications, like those used for cardiovascular-health or in managing weight.
As our understanding of the therapeutic properties of cannabis grows, it's crucial to invest in research and development of new therapies and treatments, ensuring the safe and effective use of this substance.
Parents can find comfort in knowing the potential benefits of cannabis treatments for various medical conditions affecting children, such as seizures, chronic pain, and asthma, may lead to improved quality of life and overall well-being.