July 5, 2022 – Khon Kaen University held a forum on “Knowing Cannabis: Perception, Understanding, Safety and Advantages”. Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute of Khon Kaen University acted as the moderator of the forum, which was held onsite at the Auditorium Room, 1st Floor, Northeast Science Park, Khon Kaen University, and online by ZOOM Meeting and Facebook live.
Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute of Khon Kaen University said that following the Announcement of the Ministry of Public Health on List of Category 5 Dangerous Drugs, 2022, which is effective as of June 9, 2022; the flowers, bark, trunk, branch, root, leaves, both fresh and dried, or residue from extraction of hemp and cannabis, are no longer in the list of addictive drugs. As a result, cannabis and hemps have been used widely, but with the opposing trend. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation therefore issued an announcement on the Guidelines for the Use of Hemp and Cannabis in Universities, Official Organizations, and Affiliations of the Ministry. Following are also announcements of different academic institutions related to the banning of hemp and cannabis. Khon Kaen University also sees the problems that arise. As a higher educational institution, KKU should provide correct academic information related to this matter. This forum is therefore organized for knowledge and understanding of hemp and cannabis.
The event featured the interesting topics that were presented by famous experts who are specialized in hemp and cannabis and have compiled bodies of knowledge related to the plants from reliable sources all over the world. Some speakers had medical experience in the use of the plants, their use for food products and cosmetics. The topics also included innovation, advances and policies related to research and utilization of hemp and cannabis for medical and commercial benefits of Khon Kaen University.
Following were the topics and the experts and specialists who presented the talks:
“Cannabis in the World Trend” by Assoc. Prof. Pattapong Ketsomboon, M.D., Ph.D., a family physician from the Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
“The Act for Unlock Cannabis and Useful Laws: What freedom? What can be done, or cannot be done?” by Dr. Panthep Pongpuapan, Speaker of the Special Commission Drafting Hemp-Cannabis Act, House of Representatives and Dean of Rangsit Institute of Integrative Medicine and Anti-Aging, Rangsit University.
“Values of Cannabis and Hemp, How many? Let Us Know Hemp and Cannabis” by Dr. Montaka Teerachaisakul, a Pharmacist and Director of the Division of Economic Herbs, Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health.
“How Can One Be Confident When Selecting Foods with Hemp and Cannabis Ingredients? by Khun Narumon Chatsawang, an expert in the safety of food and food consumption, Division of Food, Office of Food and Drug Administration.
“Hemp and Cannabis: Benefits, Disadvantages, and Precautions (Experience of use in patients and restaurants)” by Dr. Pakakrong Khwankhao, a Pharmacist and Deputy Director of Medical Cannabis Institute, Ministry of Public Health and Head of Traditional and Herbal Medicine Evidence Center, Apai Phubet Hospital.
“Progress and Policies for Research and Knowledge Development, and Utilization of Hemp and Cannabis of Khon Kaen University” by Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute.
The next part was a forum for exchange of experience and viewpoints led by Prof. Suwanna Arunpongpaisan, Ph.D. and Assoc. Prof. Sriwiang Pairotekul, M.D., Head of Palliative Care Center, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; Prof. Suwanna Arunpongpaisan, an expert in Addictive Psychiatry and an administrative member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Thailand; Assoc. Prof. Bandit Chumworathayee, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Faculty of Medicine, KKU; Khun Surote Phaengma, a professional pharmacist from the Consumer Protection and Public Pharmacy, Office of Public Health, Khon Kaen. The forum was moderated by Prof. Monchai Duangchinda, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Study and Acting Director of the Cannabis Research Institute.
The forum was conducted by ZOOM Meeting and streamed through Facebook live for staff, students and the public who were interested both in the university and outside in order to offer both the positive and negative perspectives so that there will be no hesitation from ignorance and that there will be no waste of opportunity in medical benefits or economy.
News / Photos: Jiraporn Pratomchai
