Thai Hospital Serves Cannabis-Laced Cuisine to Boost Recovery and Lift Spirits

Thai hospital cannabis food

“Giggling bread” and “joyfully dancing salad” aren’t what you’d typically find on a hospital menu, but one Thai hospital is drawing attention for its unique approach to patient care. By adding cannabis-infused meals to its canteen, Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachin Buri hopes to attract foreign visitors and remove the stigma around the recently legalized cannabis leaf.

This new initiative is more than a culinary experiment—it’s an exploration into the healing potential of cannabis, aiming to make patients’ journeys to recovery not only shorter but a bit more enjoyable.

Breaking the Taboo: Cannabis in the Hospital Kitchen

After Thailand removed cannabis from its narcotics list, certain licensed institutions gained the ability to grow and use the plant for medical purposes. Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital seized the opportunity, introducing a “happy menu” that might make patients actually look forward to hospital food. This hospital, already a leader in researching marijuana’s benefits, is now pioneering its use in the kitchen.

Pakakrong Kwankao, a leader of this culinary project, highlighted some of the potential benefits. “Cannabis leaves, when put in the food or even a small amount… it will help the patient to recover faster from the illness,” Kwankao shared, noting that cannabis can improve appetite, promote restful sleep, and generally lift spirits. These effects are precisely why the hospital decided to introduce the new menu.

Thailand made headlines in 2017 by becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize cannabis for medical purposes. Since then, various clinics offering cannabis treatments have popped up across the nation, slowly normalizing its use and helping citizens understand its health benefits.

Thai hospital cannabis food

Unique Menu Items with a Twist

The menu at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr isn’t just any hospital fare. Designed to appeal to both locals and curious tourists, the dishes have earned some interesting names to match their contents. Here’s a look at a few popular offerings:

  • Giggling Bread: This deep-fried bread topped with pork and a marijuana leaf is the perfect introduction for those new to cannabis cuisine.
  • Joyfully Dancing Salad: A salad that combines crispy cannabis leaves, ground pork, and a mix of chopped vegetables, offering a crunchy, light, yet mood-boosting meal.
  • Happy Pork Soup: A comforting soup with a subtle cannabis infusion meant to be nourishing and help ease patients into sleep.

One chef at the hospital canteen describes the experience as a way to “add a dash of fun to the traditional Thai palate.” And while the dishes don’t contain enough cannabis to make anyone high, they do use carefully controlled amounts to ensure benefits like relaxation and enhanced appetite.

Healing and Appetite: Cannabis as a Recovery Aid

The science behind using cannabis as a healing agent centers on its active components, such as THC and CBD. Both compounds have been shown to offer therapeutic effects in specific doses, such as reducing pain and inflammation and easing nausea or sleep problems—issues that often arise in hospitals.

For patients, the small amounts of cannabis in the meals can help:

  • Improve appetite, which is crucial for recovery and maintaining strength.
  • Encourage better sleep patterns, aiding the body’s natural healing processes.
  • Reduce pain or anxiety, which can otherwise hinder the recovery process.

Thailand’s move to legalize medical cannabis in 2017 was followed by the establishment of numerous clinics specializing in cannabis therapies. The Thai government even began offering state-approved cannabis oil to patients for various conditions. This restaurant at Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr represents a natural next step, broadening how cannabis can be used to support patient recovery and well-being.

A Possible Draw for Foreign Visitors

Thailand’s tourism industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, especially during the pandemic. The introduction of cannabis-friendly dining options might serve as a unique attraction, especially for foreign visitors from countries where cannabis remains illegal. As a culinary venture, this cannabis-infused menu offers a refreshing departure from typical hospital experiences, adding an element of novelty to patient care and Thai tourism alike.

With names like “giggling bread” on the menu, the hospital has ensured its new offerings are both approachable and intriguing. While the culinary initiative remains relatively small for now, it’s expected to help normalize cannabis as an ingredient and boost awareness of its medical uses. Local authorities are hopeful that cannabis-infused dishes could eventually become part of mainstream cuisine in Thailand.

By Ethan Mitchell

Ethan Mitchell is the visionary founder of CBD Strains Only, a leading online platform dedicated to providing premium CBD products and information. With a passion for holistic wellness and a deep understanding of the benefits of CBD, Ethan's mission is to empower individuals to enhance their well-being through high-quality CBD strains.

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