Knowledge and Opinions on Approval Procedures for Cannabis Plantation among the Provincial Committee for Approval of Cannabis Plantation : A Case Study in the 3rd Health Region

Abstract

Objective: To study knowledge of the relevant law and opinions on approval procedures for cannabis plantation among the Provincial Committee for Approval of Cannabis Plantation in the 3rd Health Region. Method: The study collected data during October to December 2020 with a questionnaire in the Committee with a total of 126 members in 5 provinces including Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Uthai Thani and Chainat. Results: The majority of respondents (60.0 percent) had a mean score of knowledge about the law related to the approval of cannabis cultivation of 6.9 ± 3.3 from the total score of 15. Subjects (57.8 percent) indicated that they did not have neither a legal background nor direct legal working experiences. Although some underwent legal training, but it was on an administrative law directly related to their job position. Respondents suggested that the Committee should be educated as follows: knowledge on prescribing cannabis extracts for patients by physicians, knowledge on those legally eligible to apply for a license to plant cannabis, knowledge of methods for destroying cannabis plants left over from harvesting and not meeting the quality standards, etc. All respondents agreed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 's guidelines for approving cannabis cultivation. The top 4 issues that were most agreed upon were: 1. grantees for cannabis cultivation must pass a knowledge test on the cannabis cultivation process, preparation of harvesting field, storage and control of use, 2. The licensor should appoint a subcommittee to screen the request for growing cannabis in upcountry in accordance with the Guidelines for Approval of Cannabis Plantation 2019 and Guidelines for the Preparation of Harvesting Field, Storage and Control of Use for Grantee. 3. Controlling the quality of cannabis cultivation by mandating an on-site inspection by a legal official before approval of cannabis cultivation, and 4 After granting the license, surveillance of cannabis cultivation sites must be inspected at least twice a year by the Provincial Health Office. Conclusion: Those serving in the Provincial Committee for Approval of Cannabis Plantation should be trained in the basic laws on requesting marijuana cultivation, the process of approval cannabis cultivation according to the Guidelines of the FDA so that the Committee is knowledgeable and having sufficient potential to perform their duties, and being able to fulfill government policies to promote medicinal use and prevent illegal use of cannabis.