Use of Cannabis as Food, Evidence-Based Center for Thai Traditional and Herbal Medicine, Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, data compiled on December 7, 2020.
Thai wisdom In addition to finding the use of cannabis as medicine, it is also used as a flavoring herb to make the taste delicious and well-rounded. The part used is fresh or dried cannabis leaves. It is popularly used in curry, noodles or stir-fry. The amount used per pot of a family meal is about 3 shoots or 5-8 leaves. The main active ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-tetra-hydrocanabinol (THC), which has an effect on the mind and nervous system, or the locals call it “intoxicating substance”, and cannabidiol (CBD) has no effect on the mind and nervous system. It is popularly used in food menus in foreign countries. Thai cannabis contains more THC than CBD.
The use of cannabis as food, frequently asked questions are: How to use it? How much is it so that you don’t get drunk? Current scientific knowledge has found that fresh cannabis leaves contain cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), which do not affect the mind and nervous system (not intoxicating). And when exposed to light and heat, both during cooking and storage, a process of change (decarboxylation) will occur where THCA will be converted to THC. Studies have found that if heat is applied to 100 degrees Celsius for 3 hours, 98 degrees Celsius for 4 hours, 160 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, or 200 degrees Celsius for 1-2 seconds, THCA will be completely converted to THC. Smoking cannabis will cause THCA to be converted to THC by approximately 95%. In dried cannabis leaves that are stored, THCA will slowly be converted to THC.
THCA in fresh leaves also has medicinal properties, but it is still in its early stages of study. There is still a lot of research to support it. Initially, it was found to have anti-inflammatory, brain-protecting, anti-convulsant, and anti-vomiting properties. In foreign countries, fresh leaves are consumed in the form of food and drinks, such as juice, smoothies, side dishes, and salads. The mechanism is that THCA inhibits the enzyme used to break down substances that act similarly to cannabis in the body, namely cannabinoid 2-AG, allowing the amount of said substance to act in the body to last longer.
The use of cannabis for food does not have research data on the clear dosage. There are many factors that affect the results of use, such as the amount used, active ingredients from the raw materials, heat used in cooking, other ingredients in the menu, method of use, fine grinding before heating will make the active ingredients more, high heat, longer cooking time, cooking with food that is high in fat will increase the amount of THC.
In terms of safety, a study in rats found that when ethanol extract from cannabis leaves was given orally at a dose of 172.9 mg/kg for 6 days a week for 12 weeks, equivalent to 8.5 years of human use, THC was found to be toxic to brain cells, inducing brain cell death and nerve sheath damage. A subchronic toxicity study in rats, in which ethanol extract from leaves at a dose of 1729.6 mg/kg, containing 2-4% THC, was given orally twice a day for 90 days, equivalent to 8.5 years of human use, caused brain cell atrophy and induced the death of adipocytes, liver cells, and kidneys, with constriction of blood vessels supplying the liver and kidneys. It can be seen that when cannabis is consumed in high doses and for a long time without clear medical indications, it may cause more harm than benefit. Therefore, it is recommended to use a small amount according to traditional wisdom, which is 5-8 leaves a day. In the case of cooking with heat, some THC may be found. In the case of fresh use, even though it has no effect on the mind and nervous system, there is still not enough information at this time to confirm its safety. For patients who should avoid using cannabis, they include those under 25 years old, those with liver and kidney failure, those taking the blood thinner warfarin, and those with cardiovascular disease.
The concept of using cannabis leaves at Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital According to the announcement of the Ministry of Public Health, cannabis leaves, roots, and stems are no longer classified as narcotics. They can be used, but the raw materials must come from trees that have been legally permitted to be grown (Narcotics Act No. 7 allows government agencies with missions to collaborate with community enterprises). Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital is a pilot agency in the development of cannabis and its utilization, from planting, producing medicines and using it medically to treat diseases, including further development of its utilization and increasing its value in the future (from the unlocked part). This is to ensure safety and be a standard for Abhaibhubejhr Day Spa, a herbal wisdom training center. It has started developing a cannabis menu based on safety based on empirical evidence. It is a pilot project to pass on to the public and interested entrepreneurs. However, its use requires knowledge and understanding in order not to cause harm to consumers. Therefore, restrictions on its use are included in the document, including prohibitions and restrictions on who should not use it. Since cannabis in food is still new to Thai society, it has been classified as a narcotic for more than 60 years. When it is introduced to society, it must be used carefully and with overall safety in mind.
The access channel to cannabis food menus began selling for the first time on December 6, 2021, and was sold exclusively at Abhaibhubejhr Day Spa, located in Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, Prachin Buri. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and can be contacted to order food at 037-217127 or use the delivery service in the Prachin Buri area. For other provinces, you may have to wait to follow the special menu in the form of snacks that will be developed further.
Guidelines for further development and forwarding to the public in the future: Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital will join the 360-degree Cannabis and Hemp Festival for the People in Buriram Province on March 5-7, 2021. They will bring knowledge in processing various parts of cannabis that are not narcotics to disseminate and provide training within the event. For those who are interested, you can follow the news via the Facebook fan page of Abhaibhubejhr Herbs or Line @abhthaimed, telephone 037-21 1289 during office hours.