History and Legislative Changes Governing Medical Cannabis in Indonesia

Abstract

This chapter presents the historical context of medical cannabis in Indonesia. First, the author sets out the history of legislative change—how cannabis law has changed over time and Indonesia's cannabis policy-making over the past 200 years. Cannabis that previously was not legal then was legal, and then not legal. Second, the author discusses recent studies regarding the benefits of natural and pharmaceutical-medical cannabis to patients with different conditions in Indonesia. These benefits include cannabis-based medicines for cancer pain, anxiety, and depression. This chapter illustrates the major changes that will be unfolding in countries worldwide regarding cannabis legislation and medical cannabis legalization in healthcare and medicine. This chapter gives an important perspective on the issues regarding the use of medical cannabis from a public health viewpoint. It gives a realistic discussion of the work that lies ahead for government and law enforcement agencies as cannabinoids become more widely accepted by the medical profession.