Medical cannabis usage in the United States and Thailand

Abstract

This paper analyzed the evolving regulations and applications of medical cannabis in the United States and Thailand. Cannabis features two primary therapeutic compounds: CBD (Cannabidiol), which is non-psychoactive and helps alleviate anxiety, manage pain, and reduce inflammation; and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), known for its psychoactive effects while also relieving chronic pain, promoting relaxation, alleviating nausea, boosting appetite, and reducing muscle spasticity. The legal status of medical cannabis significantly differs across regions. In the U.S., cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance federally; however, states like California (the first to legalize medical cannabis in 1996) and Colorado (the first to allow recreational use in 2012) have enacted varying regulations, adding complexity to the legal landscape. Contrarily, Thailand has taken a more cautious approach. Following the 2019 amendment of the Narcotics Act, it allows medical cannabis use under stringent oversight from the Ministry of Public Health. The Thai regulatory framework emphasizes control throughout the supply chain, from cultivation to distribution managed by certified medical professionals.