As of June 2022, Thailand removed cannabis from the Category 5 narcotics list. Since then, there has been a wave of confusion and agony from a majority of the population complaining that the laws are too liberal and have not been clearly enforced, with the unregulated sale of cannabis mushrooming everywhere and that includes children under the age of 20 gaining easy access to the drug as well as illegal imports destroying the prices of the locally grown produce.
This led to a nationwide backing of the Move Forward Party whose pre-election campaign promise was to re-criminalize the drug and reinstate it back as a narcotic under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Health. Party leader and prime minister-elect, Pita Limjaroenrat stated in his campaign promise to regulate the use, cultivation, import and export of the plant while supporting the medical uses of the plant.
However, there has been a wave of retaliation by the supporters of cannabis, one of them being the Cannabis Future Network, an organization committed to the support of cannabis use, which has urged the new political party in power to consider the consequences of their decision as it could prove a major catastrophe to the growers and entrepreneurs who have plunged in heavy investments into the cultivation and sale of the plant.
As the debates continue, cannabis businesses are currently under strict scrutiny and calls have been made for clear-cut regulations and enforcement to make it easier for businesses to adhere to.
After the recent nationwide elections, Pita reiterated that current cannabis businesses holding a legitimate cannabis sale license would have nothing to worry about as long as they operate under the strict regulations such as requesting verification of ID card on every purchase and support locally grown flowers.
It is still unclear if cannabis for recreational purposes will revert back to only medical use as it is still all up in smoke until the formation of the coalition which could still take a couple of months and then after law comes into effect of which we are predicting at least till the end of the year or beginning next year until regulations are finalized.
At Juslaws & Consult, we are well aware of the legal conundrum surrounding the cannabis industry and our team of lawyers are adept and prepared to assist cannabis entrepreneurs navigate through these turbulent and ever-changing laws and regulations.
As of now, it is still very much possible to apply for a cannabis sale license in Thailand and our team of legal experts who have a comprehensive understanding of the laws, can guide you through the application process and ensure that you are on the right side of the law and conduct your business with confidence when it comes to cannabis.
Thinking of starting a Cannabis Business in Thailand?. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
What is the current status of cannabis in Thailand?
Cannabis has been removed from Category 5 narcotics list and anyone with a cannabis license can freely set up a cannabis business in Thailand.
Can a foreigner start a cannabis business in Thailand?
Yes, it is possible for a foreigner to set up a cannabis business in Thailand by registering itself as a Thai owned limited company with a Thai person as a majority shareholder.
What are the current legal regulations I need to know about operating a cannabis business in Thailand?
Cannabis businesses in Thailand must adhere to the regulations including the Cannabis Act, the Narcotics Act, the Health Product Advertisement Act and Consumer Protection Act. Simply put, Cannabis cannot be sold to people under the age of 20 or pregnant women. The business cannot advertise itself online. Flowers must be legally grown in Thailand. Food and products containing THC of more than 0.02% is not allowed. Selling products such as extracts, oils, cosmetics that have THC over 0.02% must acquire the permission from the Thailand FDA.
Can I grow cannabis in Thailand?
Yes, cannabis sold in your business has to be grown in Thailand and must be registered under the Plookganja application. Seeds must be imported by following the regulations of the Plant Varieties Act and Plant Quarantine Act. Other parts of the marijuana plant cannot be imported.
Since Thailand removed cannabis from the Category 5 narcotics list in June 2022, there has been a wave of confusion and agony from a majority of the population complaining that the laws are too liberal and have not been clearly enforced, with the unregulated sale of cannabis mushrooming everywhere and that includes children under the age of 20 gaining easy access to the drug as well as illegal imports destroying the prices of the locally grown produce.
