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Thailand has a long history of cannabis cultivation. In fact, it’s been used for centuries as medicine, fiber, and food products. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that it became illegal. It’s important to note that consumption is still restricted. Hemp was legalized in many countries around the world in 2018. Thailand became the first country in South-East Asia to legalize medical marijuana and, recently, the cabinet passed laws to legalize hemp. The excellent climate and progressive approach in Thailand show promise for the global hemp industry, which has grown immensely since being legalized in many countries this year.
Thanks to a new law that was passed in 2014, hemp cultivation has been successfully legal in Thailand. The government has started issuing special permits to specific state agencies. In early 2019, the Thai government legalized hemp cultivation for all purposes and began processing applications to produce, import, export, or sell hemp. The Royal Gazette published Ministerial Regulation No. 9 which states that anyone can apply for a license to produce, import, or export hemp on Jan 29, 2021. With this legalization, hemp can be used as a potential substitute for illegal marijuana and opium. A narcotic is any controlled or illicit drug, such as marijuana. Narcotics Control Committee defines hemp as cannabis sativa that contains less than 1% THC by dry weight.
Thailand has legalized cannabis and hemp-derived products with less than .2% THC by weight. Ministers believe it will make a name for itself as one of the country’s biggest cash crops. Products made from it, such as cosmetics, are also now legal.
One of the most important considerations for businesses is their location. Not only are there numerous regulatory restrictions in different states and countries, but it is critical to consider the particular requirements of your area. In Thailand, hemp can be grown by state agencies, medical institutions, universities, Thai citizens of at least 20 years of age, companies registered in Thailand, or community enterprises governed under the Community Enterprise Act B.E. 2548 (2005). Thailand has strict regulations for hemp cultivation. There are two types of licenses, one for Thai nationals and one for foreigners. To be eligible for a Thai license, the applicant must be a Thai citizen who lives and operates in Thailand. Those with suspended or revoked licenses, or who have been convicted of violating laws on narcotics, cannot apply for a hemp license in Thailand.
In addition to the usual hemp-growing rules, the new law specifically allows families to grow hemp for fiber at home. Their limit is 1 rai (1,600 square meters) per family.
You can apply for a license to cultivate, import, or export hemp—depending on where you are. Manufacturers in Bangkok can submit their applications to the Thai Food and Drug Administration Office, while manufacturers outside of Bangkok must submit the application to their Provincial Public Health Office. The Thai government is very thorough about approving applications for drug registration. The process begins with the application submitted to a provincial health office or the governor’s office. After that, the Thai FDA will review the application. If an application is submitted to the FDA, it is expected to take 2-3 months. Applications submitted to a provincial health office are expected to take 4-5 months before they make their way through the entire process.
Those applying for a license to cultivate hemp must declare how the product will be used, in addition to production and distribution plans. It’s required for them to send the provincial governors information about their harvest schedules and transports. Recently there’s been progress in the import of hemp seeds to Guatemala.
Thailand is set to become a leader in the hemp industry, and we expect hemp farming to thrive there. As always, we recommend sourcing your hemp from a reputable provider to ensure you get the best product possible.
Thai farmers seeking to grow hemp seed varietals with mold resistance should turn to the Colorado Breeders Depot company. Our two exclusive seeds, Feminized and Industrial Hemp Seeds, are ideal for tropical climates and are resistant to fungus. They were not genetically modified in any way and are legal to import into Thailand. For more information, please fill out the contact form on this page.
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