A Study on the Medical Use of Marijuana by Students of the Thai Traditional Medicine Vocational Program (Plan A) in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) the medical use of marijuana; 2) problems with the medical use of marijuana; and 3) suggestions for improving the medical use of marijuana. The study used a quantitative research method with a population of 150 students from the Thai traditional medicine vocational program (plan a) in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani Province. Based on Krejcie and Morgan table, a sample group of 108 persons were acquired. The research instruments included a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. The obtained data were analyzed by way of percentage, mean, standard deviation (S.D.), One Way ANOVA, and least significant difference (LSD).

The results of the study are found as follows: (1) The medical use of Marijuana that is applied with cancer treatment has been discovered at the highest level (  = 4.50, S.D. = 0.76). While the other aspects are at a high level (  = 4.32, S.D. 0.64); (2) Problems with medical use of marijuana derive from the lack of clarity in government policies and laws. Medical marijuana regulations and processes are very restrictive. For research and development, a large expenditure is required. There is also a lack of understanding and medically necessary information; and 3) Suggestions for improving the medical use of marijuana in order to make it more convenient are as follows: the government should lay down policies and laws to legalize independent marijuana plantation, which can be done by informing the government sector, the government should provide low-interest loans with longer installment periods, and the establishment of a research institute to provide training and knowledge.