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Thailand’s cannabis boom at risk amid legal and political uncertainty
Thailand's cannabis industry is expanding rapidly, yet its future remains uncertain due to ambiguous legislation and persistent political disputes.
Thailand’s cannabis industry continues to expand rapidly, yet faces an uncertain future due to the lack of clear legislation and ongoing political disputes. This uncertainty has left businesses and investors in a state of limbo, hindering long-term planning and growth.
Despite these challenges, the industry has seen a surge in innovation, with entrepreneurs exploring diverse products ranging from medicinal oils to cannabis-infused foods. Nonetheless, the absence of a well-defined legal framework raises concerns about regulation, safety standards, and market stability. Many stakeholders are eager for government action to clarify the rules. They also want support for sustainable development.
Key takeaways
- Thailand’s cannabis industry has flourished since decriminalization in 2022, with over 16,000 dispensaries and cafes, but legal uncertainty and political disputes threaten its future stability.
- Industry leaders, like Brennan Lee and Wittawin Vidthayanon, stress the need for a regulated environment to guarantee quality control and stability, as ongoing political infighting hampers progress.
- The influx of imported cannabis has driven prices down to $1.50 per gram, highlighting the impact of legal ambiguity and oversupply in the Thai market.
The recent Asia International HEMP Expo, held in Bangkok from November 27 to 30, showcased the sector’s growth, with over 150 exhibitors, including LED technology companies such as the U.S.-based Vivosun, capitalizing on the rising demand for cannabis-related products.
One of the event’s key figures was Brennan Lee, owner of Moo Dank, a company that produces around 100 kilograms of cannabis flowers monthly.
Uncertainty in politics and the risk of inconsistent government policies
Lee expressed optimism about the business potential, noting that the cannabis industry bolsters Thailand’s heavy reliance on tourism.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that political uncertainty and the risk of fluctuating government policies remain significant concerns despite the sector’s growth. “We want to operate in a regulated environment,” he stated.
Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize cannabis in 2022. Since then, the industry has boomed. Over 16,000 cannabis dispensaries and cafes have opened across the country.
However, the absence of clear legal guidelines for cannabis production and sales has created confusion and instability.
Wittawin Vidthayanon, a representative of the Thai Industrial Hemp Trade Association (TIHTA), emphasized the need for regulations ensuring both the quality and traceability of cannabis products in the market.
Despite this growth, political challenges persist. While medicinal cannabis has been legal in Thailand since 2018, its use remains restricted to those with a medical prescription.
The decriminalization of cannabis flowers, which contain THC, remains a controversial issue. Kitty Chopaka, a cannabis advocate, explained that cannabis was removed from the narcotics list in 2022 due to political pressure. However, legislation has yet to advance.
Despite the government’s attempts to introduce new regulations, political infighting continues to stall progress.
This legal uncertainty has had an impact on market prices, as an influx of imported cannabis has flooded the market, driving prices down to around $1.50 per gram just a tenth of what it was two years ago.
In this environment, the future of Thailand’s cannabis industry remains in legal limbo, with stakeholders in the sector calling for clearer regulations and more stability.
The growing number of farmers and businesses involved in cannabis production eagerly await clarity from the government, hoping for a structured and sustainable framework for the industry.
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