: Image: Reuters Berita 24 English - Thailand's loosening of cannabis laws means one thing above all for Jiratti Kuttanam: a cheaper s...
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| Image: Reuters |
Berita 24 English - Thailand's loosening of cannabis laws means one thing above all for Jiratti Kuttanam: a cheaper supply of the drugs she needs to alleviate the pain and discomfort brought on by her breast cancer treatments.
Thailand became the first Asian country to legalise marijuana cultivation and private consumption last week, a decision that officials say will promote agriculture by providing farmers with a profitable new cash crop.
Jiratti, 42, believes that the benefits will be felt closer to home for her and other patients.
Since 2018, medical marijuana has been allowed in the state. Prior to the change in the law, she had to rely on expensive foreign imports. Some of the sufferers sought help from unauthorised sellers.
According to Jiratti, imported cannabis buds used to cost up to 700 baht ($20) per gramme, but prices have since halved.
"I've been taking cannabis on a regular basis so I don't have to feel pain," she said as she shredded and boiled marijuana leaves for infused tea, filling her one-bedroom Bangkok apartment with its distinct aroma.
Five years ago, she was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. She began taking cannabis oil and other products two years later to relieve the pain, vomiting, tiredness, and anxiety she had experienced as a result of chemotherapy.
A legal, local crop would imply a more consistent supply of such products, which would be beneficial as long as patients were aware of how to use them, she said.
"I believe you require further education. You'll need to learn how to use it properly. It may cause harm (ful). It can also be harmful, as you are aware."
Thailand's loosening of rules hasn't resulted in an all-out free-for-all. New legislation went into effect last week that made it illegal to smoke cannabis in public and to sell it to people under the age of 20, pregnant women, and lactating moms.
(35.2300 baht = $1)
