Thailand Finalizes Formal Cannabis Business Regulations
Although Thailand’s authorities introduced reforms for therapeutic cannabis back in early 2019, until now, products for the domestic market were imported from abroad and distributed exclusively among major hospitals and a network of specialized clinics focused on alternative cannabis medicine. However, starting January 29, the government plans to officially implement a code regulating local production of industrial and medical cannabis, as well as the operation of businesses related to the plant. This includes everything from extract manufacturers to establishments serving food or beverages containing parts of the plant.
At the same time, cannabis and related substances will be formally removed from Thailand’s fifth list of prohibited narcotics—which contains substances strictly criminalized at the national level—and transferred to a less restrictive list that allows for regulated use.
Legalization of Food, Beverages, and Cosmetics
It’s worth noting that the preparation of food, beverages, cosmetics, and dietary supplements based on cannabis plant fragments (mainly its leaves) was legalized as of January 20 by a special government decree. This law applies exclusively to parts of the plant that do not contain active cannabinoid compounds, such as leaves and stems, and excludes the use of extracts, seeds, or flowers.
Licensing and Application Process
Starting January 29, both individuals and organizations, as well as regional and local government and public organizations, will be able to officially apply to the country’s health service office for permits to organize and operate cannabis-related businesses. In addition to direct cultivation of industrial and medical cannabis, authorities will issue separate licenses for various types of businesses involved in processing and extracting oils from cannabis, as well as for the storage, transportation, and sale of finished cannabis products.
Applications will be processed by provincial branches of the Ministry of Health or local sanitary control offices. Applications involving foreign companies or partnerships between local and foreign entrepreneurs will be handled separately at the central health service office in Bangkok.
National Training Program for Government Officials
In addition, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education have announced the launch of a nationwide training program for government personnel—from police officers to civil servants—on the regulation and control of the legal cannabis market. According to Deputy Minister of Health Anutin Charnvirakul, the training program will cover a wide range of aspects of the new market, from the direct use of plant extracts for medical purposes to the regulation of tourism sector establishments, such as restaurants and spas, that use cannabis products in their operations.