Appropriate Cannabis Measures in the Academy: A Case Study of Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University

Abstract

Background and Aims: The cannabis measures announced by the Ministry of University Education, Science, Research, and Innovation were not implemented at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. As a result, several students remained unaware of the measures. The research aims to: (1) Study legal measures that control the use of Cannabis in educational institutions. (2) Study the context and appropriateness of Cannabis in Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University. (3)To develop a model of appropriate measures for Cannabis use in Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University.

Methodology: The study employed a mixed-methods research design, including focus groups with 20 participants from stakeholder groups (students, teachers, staff, and police), in-depth interviews with 20 individuals (university administrators, lecturers, students, and staff), and qualitative research through documentary analysis. 400 students completed questionnaires for the quantitative study, which was based on the Yamane Taro theory and had a 0.05 standard deviation. Together with results from the surveys, qualitative data were described and quantitatively evaluated using percentages to illustrate the relative importance of each issue.

Results: The research's findings are as follows: (1) The Ministry of Public Health issued an announcement regarding controlled herbs (cannabis) B.E. 2565 because the draft Cannabis and Hemp Act is still not enforceable. This prompted announcements from the Ministry of University Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Education on the topic of Guidelines regarding Cannabis or hemp. (2) Some students are still not aware of the MOE's declaration, and the research population believes that universities should have policies that forbid the use of cannabis but allow its usage for research and offer education to educate the public about it. (3) The Ministry's declaration to declare the campus a cannabis-free zone and to teach staff, except for cannabis use in research, is in line with Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University's appropriate notification.

Conclusion: The study suggests that the law department at Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University should consider making announcements for the Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University community and presenting to the university council. After that, the institution starts a vigorous public relations campaign about cannabis or hemp. To educate staff and students on the use of hemp or cannabis, every department, institution, and faculty sets up training.