Safety Study of Thai Traditional Cannabis-Infused Medicinal Preparations : A Retrospective Study from Medical Records

Abstract

Rationale and Objective: From “Cannabis” which is considered a type of narcotic that is prohibited from being used for various purposes, it has been changed and legal regulations have been revised and it has begun to be reviewed for its re-importation for various benefits, especially medical purposes. This led to significant interest and controversy in society, between those opposing and those interested in using cannabis for various benefits such as medical treatment, culinary purposes, business promotion, and recreational use. Despite cannabis being an ancient herbal remedy, inadequate dissemination of information regarding its adverse effects or warnings has led to some groups misunderstanding its use, resulting in more harm than benefit. Udon Thani Hospital serves as a leading institution with a medical cannabis clinic to accommodate the demand for consultation and proper cannabis use. All patients undergo preliminary health screening and must have normal liver function test(AST, ALT) and renal function test(GFR, BUN, Creatinine) before receiving medical cannabis. There is also a monitoring system, but there are no established guidelines for monitoring liver and renal function test after medical cannabis use, prompting researchers to study and monitor changes in liver and renal function test after the use of medical cannabis according to Thai traditional medical cannabis. To study the changes in liver and renal function test after receiving Thai traditional medicine cannabis, and to study the safety of users.

Methodology: This research is a retrospective study. Data were retrieved from medical records August 22, 2019 to September 30, 2022. Participants were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, data were recorded in data collection forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics; paired t-test.

Results: There were 80 individuals who for the study. It was found that the majority were female(52%). The average age was 58.4 ± 1.39 years. The majority were non-smokers (95%), non-drinkers(89%), and non-underlying(58%). Among the Thai traditional medical cannabis formulations, the most commonly used was Ya Suk Sai Yad(46%), DTAM Ganja Oil(Deja formula)(29%), Golden Turmeric Cannabis Oil(11%), Ya Kae Lom Kae Sen(8%), and Ya Tham Lai Phra Sumen(6%). From the study, it was found that there were no statistically significant differences in liver and renal function test before and after the use of each cannabis formulation.

Discussion: A retrospective study comparing liver and renal function values ​​before and after using Thai traditional medicine cannabis found that Ya Suk Sai Yad was the most commonly used formula, and the five formulas showed no statistical differences. It was safe and did not affect liver and kidney function values ​​after use.

Conclusion: The use of the five formulas of Thai traditional medical cannabis, is safe after use and does not affect liver and renal function.

Key Words : Thai traditional medical cannabis, Safety, Renal function, Liver function