Question & Answer
| Q1). | Isn't it illegal for a Japanese person to travel to Thailand and be prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor and use it? |
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| A1). | In Thailand, it is legal to use medical marijuana with a doctor's prescription. You will need to bring your medical certificate (preferably in English, quantified data of your medical condition, etc.) from a hospital in Japan (your medical institution). Please also bring any medication you are taking. |
| Q2). | Can foreigners get a prescription for medical marijuana in Thailand? |
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| A2). | Foreigners with any illness or symptoms can come to the clinic and register, you can get a prescription without any problems. Ninety-eight percent of all patients are Thai, and only about two percent are foreigners. The decision to prescribe medical marijuana is made by a marijuana specialist after an examination. There are a small number of Japanese patients. |
| Q3). | From the legalization of medical marijuana on February 18, 2019 to December 2020, how many people in Thailand will be treated with medical marijuana? Also, if you know the percentage of Japanese living in Thailand, please let us know. |
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| A3). | We are not able to ascertain the number of Japanese patients, but the number of patients is increasing every day, every month. However, we are currently unable to obtain accurate figures due to COVID-19. |
| Q4). | Is it possible to take medical marijuana anywhere in Thailand? Is possession of medical marijuana allowed in the first place? |
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| A4). | Normally, medical marijuana is not sold at pharmacies or drugstores in Thailand. But, there is no problem under Thai law to consume medical marijuana oil in Thailand if you have been prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor. |
| Q5). | Can I receive medical marijuana treatment in Thailand even though I am currently receiving treatment in Japan? |
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| A5). | Of course you can. You can bring your medical certificate (preferably in English, numerical data of your medical condition, etc.) from the hospital in Japan and compare it at the end of the tour. |
| Q6). | How can I explain to my doctor in Japan that I want to receive medical marijuana treatment in Thailand? |
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| A6). | We are not sure what percentage of doctors in Japan are aware of medical marijuana treatment. But it is probably difficult to get their understanding. There are many ways to say this, however we think you should consult as a second opinion in Thailand. Moreover, if possible, you can consult a doctor like I would like to be treated with medical marijuana, too. |
| Q7). | Is it possible to collaborate with a hospital in Thailand and a hospital in Japan? |
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| A7). | We think it is not impossible, but there are some barriers. |
| Q8). | If I am cured after the treatment period, will the hospital in Thailand provide me with a written report that I am cured? |
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| A8). | After the treatment period is over, you will be given a medical examination and receive a medical report on your condition. |
| Q9). | If I start treatment with medical marijuana, stop the treatment in the middle (return to Japan), and resume treatment (not with medical marijuana) at a hospital in Japan, is there any physical risk? (e.g., if I stop treatment for cancer in Japan, receive medical marijuana treatment in Thailand for a month, return to Japan, and resume treatment, is there any physical risk? |
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| A9). | Although there are differences in medical opinions, I believe that there are cases where the physical risks are higher than those of anti-cancer treatment received in Japan. Medical marijuana oil cannot be taken in Japan. |
| Q10). | Is there a Japanese interpreter at the hospital in Thailand and can I receive proper treatment? Is the interpreter Japanese? |
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| A10). | Generally speaking, you cannot receive a prescription for medical marijuana at a hospital with a Japanese interpreter. If you are participating in this medical tour, you will be accompanied by an interpreter. |
| Q11). | Why was Thailand among the first Asian countries to legalize medical marijuana? |
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| A11). | In Japan, many people have the perception that marijuana is a drug, but in Thailand, there is a history of traditional marijuana use, which may have provided the groundwork for the acceptance of medical marijuana.
In Thailand, there is a history of cannabis use, so it is likely that there was a basis for the acceptance of medical marijuana. Cannabis was one of the herbs added to the "Othoprana Rai" (medicine for King Narai), a mixture of various herbs to be prescribed to the king. Cannabis is also depicted in the murals of the famous Wat Pho temple. Cannabis was not used alone In Thailand, but was mixed with various herbs. This background suggests that there was not much resistance to the use of cannabis for medical purposes. |
| Q12). | Are there any restrictions such as "these patients cannot participate in the medical marijuana tour or cannot be prescribed"? |
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| A12). | We do not allow people who cannot follow the Kamiwaza Thailand Manual, who cannot listen to other people's opinions, or who repeatedly act like criminals or complain. |
| Q1). | For what kinds of diseases/symptoms can patients receive medical marijuana prescriptions? |
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| A1). | The majority of patients who receive medical marijuana treatment are cancer patients. Moreover, most of them are stage 3 or 4 patients. The ingredients in marijuana are said to be effective in reducing the side effects of anti-cancer treatments, and it has been confirmed that in some cases the tumors become smaller. Other than cancer, there are also many patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, autism and ADHD in children. It is also thought to be effective in treating psychological symptoms such as insomnia, depression, emotional instability, and irritability. If you are an angry person, suffer from anxiety or negative thinking, or if you have insomnia and rely on alcohol or sleep aids, medical marijuana is said to be worth a try. |
| Q2). | Does medical marijuana work on cancer patients? |
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| A2). | Many cancer patients have lost weight due to lack of appetite and severe pain, but there have been reports that using marijuana has helped them sleep better, have a good appetite, reduced pain and inflammation, and their muscles moved normally. Medical marijuana is thought to be very effective in treating various symptoms of cancer. |
| Q3). | What kind of medical marijuana will be prescribed? |
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| A3). | The Thai Ministry of Health classifies medical marijuana into three categories: CBD* (Cannabidiol), THC* (Tetrahydrocannabinol), and cannabinoids, and those that contain both. In Europe and the United States, cannabis is used as a medicine. In Europe and the United States, some countries prescribe cannabis buds as medical marijuana, but this is not the case in Thailand.
*CBD (Cannabidiol) has no psychotropic effects and is so low in toxicity that it is treated as a health food in Japan. *THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychotropic ingredient, and it is the pharmacological effect of THC that causes the euphoria from ingesting cannabis. |
| Q4). | I have known that medical marijuana is effective for treating autism in children. What is the minimum age to receive medical marijuana treatment in Thailand? |
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| A4). | There is no age limit.But, it depends on the doctor's diagnosis for children with immature bodies. |
| Q5). | Is it possible to become intoxicated by using medical marijuana? |
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| A5). | Whether there are any side effects such as euphoria regarding medical marijuana varies from person to person. As for the amount of marijuana to be consumed, the prescription will start with a small amount to find the right amount under the diagnosis of a doctor. So there is no need to worry about intoxication. |
| Q6). | Is there anything I should not do after taking the drug? |
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| A6). | Drinking alcohol and going out (driving cars, motorcycles, etc.) are strictly prohibited after taking the drug. |
| Q7). | What is the form of medical marijuana (liquid? solid?) and how is it taken (smoking, drinking, eating or applying)? |
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| A7). | With the guidance of a physician, you can usually take CBD & THC oil in liquid form. |
| Q8). | There are three types of medical marijuana products, how do you use them? |
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| A8). | The Thai Ministry of Health considers medical marijuana to have three different types of potency: THC, CBD, and a 1:1 mix of THC and CBD. There is some accumulation of medical experience as to what types of symptoms can be prescribed to patients. |
| Q9). | Who makes the medical marijuana products? Are they legal products in Thailand? |
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| A9). | Medical marijuana products are made by the Thai government's GPO (The Government Pharmaceutical Organization). Only hospitals and clinics with a medical marijuana license can purchase medical marijuana products from the GPO and prescribe them to patients. |
| Q10). | There are a lot of CBD oils available on Rakuten Market? |
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| A10). | In terms of CBD oil alone, Japan is much more widespread than Thailand. In Japan, CBD is less regulated than in Thailand, and CBD-infused oils and foods are readily available on e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Rakuten. On the other hand, in Thailand, you can get a prescription from a licensed medical marijuana clinic or hospital, which will prescribe not only CBD oil but also three other medical marijuana products. |