The Minister of Public Health of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, once again surprised the world by announcing that he wants to offer one million cannabis plants to Thais, when the domestic cultivation and use of the plant are legalized in the country, already in the next June. In a Facebook post, the Minister assured that the inhabitants of Thailand will be able to grow “as many cannabis plants as they want” in their own homes, as long as it is for medicinal purposes, and official registration will not be necessary for self-cultivation.
The plants to be cultivated will have to be of medicinal grade and used only for medicinal purposes, announced Anutin, who also took the opportunity to describe the benefits of commercial cultivation for the country.
The Thai Minister of Health has been a strong advocate of access to cannabis
It is currently legal for companies registered in Thailand to sell hemp products with less than 0,2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but with the new rules, people will be able to operate cannabis-related businesses and businesses.
“This will allow people and the government to generate more than 10 billion Baht (about €276) a year in cannabis and hemp revenue,” he said. “In the meantime, people can showcase their cannabis and hemp-related products and wisdom and sell their products across the country.”
Anutin added that entrepreneurs and companies can freely compete in the Thai cannabis market as there will be no concessions. Small sellers do not need to register with the country's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “However, large companies in the cannabis sector will have to apply to the FDA for permission to operate,” she added.
Local cannabis advocates have expressed hope that easing cannabis laws can boost Thailand's economic recovery after the Covid-19 crisis. Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medical cannabis in 2018.
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