Medics saw a four-fold increase in health issues following cannabis decriminalisation in Thailand.

The Ramathibodi Poison Centre assisted a total of 212 patients who sought help with conditions related to marijuana use between June and August 2022.

In June 2022 when the substance was officially taken off the narcotics list leading to an eruption of shops selling the drug, the cases spiked up 22 per cent to 68, while there were only 21 in 2021 and 15 in 2020.

Likewise, the July data showed that the numbers escalated from only 20 in 2020 to 26 in 2021 before jumping to 68 in 2022.

The trend remained consistent, from 27 cases in 2020 to a lower 20 in 2021 before it climbed to 69 in 2022.

Out of the 212 patients, about 75.9 per cent exclusively use cannabis, while the remaining 51 people said they consumed other substances such as kratom, alcohol, and amphetamines.

Among those hospitalised, 75 patients were first-time users and had no history of substance use before seeking help.

Dr Smith Srisont, a forensic doctor at Ramathibodi Hospital, said: ‘There was a substantial increase in the number of cannabis-related patients at the centre, reaching 3.5 times the previous levels, particularly following the legalisation of cannabis in June 2022.

‘The monthly figures rose from approximately 20 cases to a range of 68 to 75 cases.'

Smith highlighted that 76 per cent of the cannabis-related patients exclusively used the substance, emphasising that only a smaller number of patients consumed other drugs.

He said: ‘About 68 per cent of the cannabis-related patients reported using cannabis for recreational purposes or out of curiosity, while only 7.5 per cent stated they used it for medical reasons.'

Smith added this information countered the government's claim that most people used cannabis for medical purposes rather than recreational use.

He also added that out of the reported cases, there were 39 cases involving youngsters under the age of 18, accounting for 18 per cent of the total.

Out of these 39 cases, 21 used cannabis for recreation, indicating the need for stronger measures to prevent minors from accessing the substance.

He said: ‘Out of the reported cases, 126 cases, which accounted for 59 per cent, required hospitalisation.

‘Among the patients, seven experienced severe symptoms and necessitated the use of tracheal tubes.

‘This included a distressing case involving a 14-year-old child who was drowsy and unconscious, requiring the tracheal tube as a life-saving measure.'

Data also showed one patient died after using cannabis together with another substance to enhance its effects.

Dr Smith said: ‘The legalisation of cannabis without proper restrictions places an increased burden on doctors, resulting in additional workload and the depletion of medical resources.

‘Other governments that have legalised cannabis provide their citizens with information about the effects of cannabis, rather than solely focusing on its strength, as the Thai government has done.'

Thousands of cannabis shops, cafes, and bars have opened in Thailand since the plant was removed from the list of banned narcotics on June 9, 2022. It is the first Asian country to fo do so, legalising the growing, possession, and consumption of cannabis in food and drinks.