Politics

Thailand is giving away 1 million cannabis plants to celebrate new homegrow laws

Published on May 11, 2022 · Last updated June 17, 2022
Thai officials pose with cannabis plants. (Anutin Charnvirakul / FB)
Thai officials pose with cannabis plants. (Anutin Charnvirakul / FB)

Residents can grow medical cannabis at home, and companies can produce CBD and hemp products that have less than .2% THC.

On June 9, Thailand residents will be allowed to grow as many medical cannabis plants as they like in their own homes.

To celebrate the historic day, Thai officials are giving away 1 million free cannabis plants for citizens to grow at home. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the give-away on Facebook Monday (May 8), to build anticipation for the big day.

Sakchai Lalit/AP
(Sakchai Lalit/AP)

The highlights of Thailand’s new weed laws

  • Home cultivators don’t need to notify their local government before they start growing, according to a Nation Thailand report
  • Cultivators will need to secure additional licenses before growing cannabis plants for non-medical commercial purposes, like a CBD or hemp business
  • The Thai government will do regular inspections to discourage unauthorized operations from sprouting up
  • Small hemp and CBD sellers can enter the market freely and don’t need to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Large marijuana-related businesses must receive permission from the FDA before operating
  • Households can form grow communities or co-ops that produce cannabis for public and state facilities, including hospitals, or for commercial food and cosmetic products

Big plans for pot in Thailand

The Health Minister also shared plans to get recreational use legalized soon. Thailand officials want to make cannabis one of its top cash crops. About a third of Thailand’s workforce relies on agriculture for labor, according to the United Nations.

Related
New Leafly ‘Cannabis Harvest Report’ values crop 5th in the nation

“This will enable people and the government to generate more than 10 billion baht [per year] in revenue from marijuana and hemp,” Anutin Charnvirakul explains. “Meanwhile, people can showcase their cannabis and hemp-related products and wisdom and sell their products nationwide.”

Thailand approved medical cannabis in 2018, becoming the first South Asian country to legalize the plant for medical use and study. Last year, drinks and cosmetics companies around the country began launching hemp and CBD products after they were approved as consumer goods.

If you want to celebrate this historic progress with the Thai people, try to find a classic Chocolate Thai stick, or track down some of Futura and delicious Dee Thai gummies.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

Showing you dispensaries near
See all dispensaries
Calvin Stovall
Calvin Stovall
Calvin Stovall is Leafly's East Coast Editor.
View Calvin Stovall's articles
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.



Stay In Touch

Receive updates on new products, special offers, and industry news.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Leafly mobile app
Get high for less.
Download the Leafly app.
Download Leafly: Marijuana Reviews on the App Store
Download Leafly Marijuana Reviews on Google Play




* Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice.


© 2024 Leafly, LLC
Leafly and the Leafly logo are registered trademarks of Leafly, LLC. All Rights Reserved.