As Thailand greenlights cannabis, patients welcome cheaper supplies

For Jiratti Kuttanam, Thailand’s relaxation of cannabis restrictions meant one thing above all – a cheaper supply of the products she uses to manage the pain and sickness caused by her breast cancer treatments.

Thailand last week became the first Asian country to legalise the growing and private consumption of marijuana, a move authorities said would boost agriculture by giving farmers a valuable new cash crop.

Jiratti, 42, said she and other patients would also feel the benefits closer to home.

Medical marijuana has been legal there since 2018. But, before the law change, she had to rely on pricy foreign imports. Some patients went to illegal dealers.

Imported cannabis buds used to cost up to 700 baht ($20) per gram, but prices have since halved, Jiratti said.

“I’ve been taking cannabis regularly so I don’t have to feel pain,” she said as she shredded and boiled marijuana leaves to make infused tea, filling her one-bedroom Bangkok apartment with its distinctive smell.