INVC NEWS
New Delhi ,
How a Drug Empire is Thriving in Thailand : Thailand has undergone a massive shift in its attitude towards cannabis, with the country legalizing cannabis business in June 2022. This has led to a sudden cannabis boom and has created a unique world in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road, which is the most crowded street in the city. The street is buzzing with colorful lights and has become a hub for cannabis traders.
With the legalization of cannabis, more than 4,000 outlets across Thailand now sell cannabis and its derivatives. Walking along Sukhumvit Road, two kilometers east of the BBC office, there are over 40 drugstores that sell cannabis flower buds and other smoking-related items. The marijuana-themed shopping mall, Plantopia, located on the famous Khao San Road, is also a favorite spot for tourists, where the shops are hazy behind a smoke created by the customers.
This sudden shift in the cannabis industry is thrilling for many in Thailand. “It’s confusing, but this is Thailand and the liberalization of the cannabis business,” says Kitty Chopka, founder of Thailand’s cannabis business advisory firm Elevated Estate and part of the parliamentary committee trying to pass new regulations. “Without him, I don’t think this situation would have happened today.”
Cannabis in Thailand: A Brief History
Cannabis has been used in Thailand for centuries, primarily for its medicinal properties. However, the country’s attitude towards the plant changed in the early 20th century when cannabis was banned in Thailand under the Opium Act of 1934. The act was passed as part of an international effort to control drug trafficking, and cannabis was deemed a narcotic.
In 1979, the Thai government implemented the Narcotics Act, which increased penalties for drug offenses, including cannabis possession and cultivation. However, the use of cannabis continued to be prevalent in the country despite the laws. The plant was used for both medicinal and recreational purposes and was easily available on the black market.
In 2018, the Thai government took a significant step towards the legalization of cannabis by legalizing medical marijuana. This was followed by the legalization of hemp in 2019. In June 2022, the government finally legalized cannabis for commercial purposes, which has led to a sudden boom in the industry.
The Cannabis Industry in Thailand Today
The legalization of cannabis has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in Thailand. The country’s cannabis market is expected to reach $661 million by 2024, according to a report by Prohibition Partners.
The industry has also created numerous job opportunities, particularly for farmers who can now legally cultivate cannabis. The government has also set up a Cannabis Research and Development Institute to study the plant and its uses.
However, the sudden boom in the industry has also led to concerns about regulation and safety. There are fears that the industry could attract organized crime and that the quality of the products could be compromised.
Regulation and Safety Concerns
The Thai government has put in place a set of regulations for the cannabis industry to ensure safety and quality. All cannabis products sold in Thailand must be tested by government-approved laboratories to ensure that they are safe for consumption. The government has also set a maximum THC limit of 0.2% for all cannabis products.
However, there are concerns that the regulations are not stringent enough and that there is a lack of oversight in the industry. This could lead to a rise in organized crime, with criminal organizations taking advantage of the legal cannabis industry to launder money and traffic drugs.
The legalization of cannabis in Thailand has created a unique world in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road, with more than 4,000 outlets now selling cannabis and its derivatives. The industry has created numerous job opportunities and is expected to reach $661
