The legalization of cannabis in Thailand has created an exciting new business opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors in the cannabis industry. With over 400 cannabis dispensaries in Phuket alone, the demand for cannabis is high and the need for grow facilities is even higher.
Cannabis is said to have originated in Central Asia, with proof of its use dating back thousands of years. Over time, the plant spread to other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, where it was likely introduced by Indian traders and travelers (Thank you!). In Thailand, cannabis was traditionally used for both medicinally and recreationally, and it was commonly consumed in the form of bhang, a cannabis-infused beverage.
Thai cannabis cultivation is steeped in tradition and ritual, and it has long been associated with spiritual and cultural practices. In the past, Thai farmers would often grow cannabis alongside other crops like rice and vegetables, using natural fertilizers and pesticides. The plants would be harvested and dried in the sun, before being cured and prepared for use.
At 4trees we understand that each location is unique, which is why we offer customized DIY designs based on your specific needs and location. Our hydroponics systems are designed to offer lush growth and maximum yields while lowering labor, water, and nutrient consumption. Additionally, our systems offer water recapture systems that capture water expelled from the plants, filter it, and reuse it, saving you even more on water costs.
Cannabis legalization in Thailand has been a gradual process that started in 2018 with the legalization of medical cannabis. This move was prompted by a growing recognition of the plant’s medicinal benefits, as well as the potential economic benefits of a legal cannabis industry.
Much like the medical ACMPR licensing that came into play in Canada in the mid 2000’s, Thailand’s medical cannabis laws allow patients with certain medical conditions, like cancer, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, can legally grow and use cannabis products with a prescription from a licensed doctor.
In addition to medical cannabis, Thailand has also legalized hemp, which can be used to make a variety of products, including textiles, paper, and building materials. Licensed producers can grow hemp for industrial purposes, subject to strict regulations and oversight from the government.
Although recreational cannabis remains illegal in Thailand still, and the possession and use of cannabis for a non medical relater use can result in criminal charges. With that being said, there have been some recent developments that suggest a growing openness to the idea of recreational cannabis legalization in Thailand.
In 2019, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize medical cannabis research, opening opportunities for scientific study and development of new cannabis-based products. Additionally, in 2020, the Thai government removed cannabis from its list of prohibited narcotics, making it easier to conduct research and develop new cannabis products.
The now booming cannabis industry in Thailand is a cause for celebration, which is why we are offering a discounted cannabis consulting program for residents of Thailand. This is our way of celebrating this exciting new industry and helping new businesses get started.
Overall, while the cannabis industry in Thailand is still in its infancy and there are still some legal and cultural barriers to overcome, the country has taken some significant steps towards legalizing cannabis for both medical and industrial purposes. As the cannabis industry around the world continues to grow like a weed, it will be interesting to see how Thailand’s cannabis laws and regulations grow along with it.
Top 5 Thai Landrace Strains
Thai cannabis strains are known for their high THC content and unique terpene profiles, which give them distinctive flavors and aromas. The terpenes found in Thai cannabis are often described as earthy, spicy, and citrusy, with notes of lemongrass, coriander, and ginger, yum! These terpenes are believed to be influenced by the tropical climate and soil conditions in Thailand, as well as the traditional methods used to cultivate and process the plant.
Thailand has a rich history of cannabis cultivation and is known for producing some unique strains with distinctive flavors and effects. Here are five of the best cannabis strains that are believed to have originated in Thailand:
- Thai Stick – Thai Stick is a classic Thai strain that was popularized in the 1970s. It is known for its high THC content and unique flavor profile, which combines spicy and earthy notes with hints of lemongrass and citrus.
- Chocolate Thai – Chocolate Thai is another classic Thai strain that is prized for its complex flavor profile, which combines chocolate and coffee notes with hints of spice and citrus. It is also known for its energetic and uplifting effects.
- Green Thai – Green Thai is a sativa-dominant strain that is prized for its energizing and uplifting effects. It is known for its sweet and earthy flavor profile, which is accompanied by hints of citrus and spice.
- Wild Thailand – This rare, 100% Sativa cultivar was bred in the Ko Chang Archipelago area. With an average THC level and an above average, unique Thai flavor of pine, wood and berries it will have you going wild for more.
- Full Moon – Full Moon is a rare Thai strain that is named after the full moon festivals that are held in Thailand each year. It is known for its relaxing and sedative effects, as well as its sweet and earthy flavor profile.
Although these strains are some exciting strains native to Thailand that are certainly worth trying, this doesn’t mean that these are what’s hot on the shelves in Thailand’s now booming dispensaries. The native strains to the area are often not the hottest things on the shelves because people want to explore new strains that they aren’t used to.
However, for the people looking to expand their strain horizon, Thai cannabis strains are known for their high THC content and unique terpene profiles, which are influenced by the tropical climate, soil conditions, and traditional cultivation methods in Thailand. The history of cannabis in Thailand is steeped in tradition and ritual, and the plant has long been associated with spiritual and cultural practices. Despite the challenges facing Thai cannabis cultivation today, there is a growing movement to preserve and celebrate the unique strains and terpenes found in this ancient land.