Study of service model Thai traditional medicine recipe containing cannabis preparation in Thai traditional medical cannabis clinic

Abstract

This study employed a qualitative research design with the objective of exploring the current practices in providing individualized medicine preparation services using Thai traditional medicine formulations containing cannabis in Thai traditional medical cannabis clinics. Data were collected through document reviews, textbooks, academic articles, relevant research,service observations, and in-depth interviews with 16 personnel from both public and private clinics involved in Thai traditional medical cannabis services. Content analysis revealed that individualized medicinal preparations in public healthcare settings were influenced
by the policies of each institution's administrators and their readiness in terms of facilities, personnel, materials, and budget. In contrast, private healthcare services relied more on the experience of personnel with prior expertise in individualized preparations. Both sectors commonly faced similar challenges, particularly in the procurement and storage of herbal raw materials. Regarding the types of Thai traditional cannabis-based medicines, both oral and topical formulations were identified. Two main service models were observed:
1) individualized preparation, where herbal ingredients were customized per patient according to the physician’s prescription, and
2) centralized preparation of standard formulas categorized by symptom or disease, allowing physicians to adjust dosages based on individual patient diagnoses.