BANGKOK, May 30 (TNA) – Thai government agencies push
ahead collaboration on research for cannabis oil production to meet domestic
demands for medical marijuana. 
The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) and the
Department of Medical Services signed a cooperation agreement on Thursday,
paving the way for joint research and productions of cannabis oil.
GPO board chairman Dr. Sophon Mekthon said the agreement was
aimed at conducting medical research to develop cannabis oil formulas for
specific diseases such as asthma, insomnia, autism and cancer.
Since the legalization of the use of marijuana for medicinal
and research purposes, GPO has started marijuana cultivation at an indoor
farm. It has already developed three
formulas of cannabis oil, expected to be distributed next month.
The collaboration with the Department of Medical Services
would result in formulas that best meet demands and best usages for patients,
he said.
In the future, GPO and the Department of Medical Services
plan to seek partnership with an agricultural college to ensure sufficient
supply of marijuana for their project.
In December last year, the 1979 Narcotic Drugs Act was
amended to allow research and usage of medical marijuana. (TNA)
