An inside look at Thailand's legalization of cannabis

Once one of the countries with the most repressive anti-cannabis laws, Thailand has passed new laws that make it one of the most cannabis-friendly countries in Asia. Medical use of cannabis has been legal since 2018. In 2022 the Thai Food and Drug Administration removed cannabis from the ‘Category 5’ narcotic list, effectively legalising cannabis use on 9th June 2022.

However, public cannabis use is not yet permitted. Dutch Passion have worked closely with Canneticz, Thailand’s first official cannabis seed distributor. Canneticz also have a sub-brand, Hygge Flowers, who grow and sell cannabis buds. Dutch Passion interviewed Tonkla Tangcharoen (‘Mickey’) who is Chief Operating Officer of Canneticz Asia Co. to get a full review of Thailand’s cannabis revolution.

Thailand’s legalisation of cannabis explained

When Canneticz was formed, they were determined to lead the transition in Thailand’s move from being hostile towards cannabis towards becoming a leading Asian player in the rapidly growing world of legal cannabis. Experience in other parts of the world has shown that those companies brave enough to make the first move often end up growing quickly and sometimes becoming a regional exporter to neighbouring countries who subsequently legalise.

Dutch Passion asked Mickey, COO of Canneticz, to set out the background to Thai cannabis legalization and how he plans to approach the need for cannabis seeds and good quality buds over the next decade.

Cannabis seed sales are starting, buds are being grown. What is the mission of Canneticz?

Mickey, Canneticz: "On the 9th of June 2022, Recreational marijuana was officially legalised, which marked a significant milestone in the cannabis culture in Thailand. We believe that many cultures have bad stigmas towards cannabis in some ways, but this is soon to be changed with this movement.

With this regulation change, Canneticz will be able to stockpile cannabis seeds from Dutch Passion in large quantities, making distribution much easier for both large and small firms.

Furthermore, We are launching our sub-brand, Hygge Flowers as our dispensary channel to share the love for cannabis to the market. Hygge Flowers will distribute cannabis flowers from our growers using quality cannabis seeds, mainly Dutch Passion.

Our mission is to educate the Thai market further to understand the correct usage of cannabis substances and to educate new growers to grow effectively and efficiently."

Canneticz were the first to grow and sell cannabis seeds in Thailand, who are buying most of the seeds?

Mickey, Canneticz: "At Canneticz, We aim to provide the best quality cannabis seed to all of our customers, regardless of the scale of their business or the size of their farm whether they are medical centres or even home growers. Starting our cannabis journey in 2019, Canneticz is the first cannabis seed distributor here in Thailand right after the legalization of Medical Marijuana.

Our customers consist of many leading hospitals, universities, and community enterprises. Our services range from strain recommendation, cannabis education and grow consultation services all the way to importing seeds from around the globe to the hands of our customers.

Our team is incredibly passionate about the healing effect of cannabis plants and is eager to share our passion in the community."

What is the relationship between Canneticz and Dutch Passion?

Mickey, Canneticz: "Canneticz is a distributor of Dutch Passion. Since our beginning, we entered this emerging industry using Dutch Passion as our leading brand. We believe in the top-notch quality of Dutch Passion cannabis seeds from our experience through collaboration, and our customers have shared nothing but positive feedback from Dutch Passion seeds, especially the germination rates being close to almost 95 to 100 percent. Moreover, Canneticz also represents Dutch Passion by distributing merchandise, including grinders, rolling papers, t-shirts, and hats which our customers love."

How much cannabis cultivation knowledge does Thailand have regarding professional quality cannabis cultivation?

Mickey, Canneticz: "In such a short time since the legalization, we have seen both positive and negative results from the movement. Previously underground growers are now the leading force in the industry. The competition for the highest quality flower is on the rise, which will benefit the end customers.

On the other hand, the majority of the Thai market still lacks proper knowledge in the use of cannabis which results in substance abuse. We believe that in 10 years, with the help of Cannaticz.

We can educate both users and non-users about the many benefits of cannabis; the effects of each strain, the proper way of consumption, and the medicinal effects each strain holds for both physical and mental well-being.

We want to erase bad stigmas towards cannabis users out of the picture so everyone can truly be themselves no matter if they choose to relax by drinking at a pub or smoking cannabis with friends."

Will there be educational conferences allowing growers and the first grow-companies to learn more?

Mickey, Canneticz: "At the end of this year, Canneticz will launch our first ‘show and grow’ facility, containing many growing systems ranging from indoor hydroponic systems, deep water culture systems, and greenhouse soil-base systems all the way to outdoor methods.

With this facility, we want our customers to understand the complexity of producing quality products from cannabis and showcase each strain's result before purchasing cannabis seeds from us.

The seeds in this facility will also be from Dutch Passion. We are confident that in 10 years, Thailand will be the leading cannabis market in Asia. In 10 years, with Dutch Passion's support, Canneticz will engineer and produce multiple strains suitable for Asia's climate to be exported and enjoyed."

Do you have any advice for future growers or those wishing to set up cannabis companies in Thailand?

Mickey, Canneticz: "We recommend that all growers in Thailand do everything according to regulations by getting the right paperwork and applying for a grow permit with the government. Let’s change the perception of cannabis in Thailand and show them what we have. Good quality cannabis seeds lead to a successful business."

Dutch Passion’s view of Thailands new cannabis market

Seeing Thailand transition from a country with a reputation for often severe cannabis punishments to one that is pioneering legal cannabis in South Asia is a remarkable turn of events. But the radical change of policy has been driven, as is often the case in other parts of the world, by medical cannabis. And as is also often the case, where medical cannabis goes, recreational cannabis follows. Those brave enough to battle bureaucracy, apply for licenses and start the first few cannabis companies often grow rapidly.

Can Dutch Passion cannabis seeds be shipped to Thailand?

Dutch Passion have been present in the Thai market for some years. Cannabis seeds can be shipped there, but it’s important top add that strict Government import rules necessitate a full suite of export certificates and phytosanitary certificates which indicate the cannabis seeds are free of pests/disease. For Dutch Passion this is an exciting new journey alongside our Thai partners.

Shipping cannabis seeds to licensed cannabis producers in various parts of the world has become a full-time business, so much so that Dutch Passion has established a sister company, Dupacan, which is dedicated to full-time seed export (often in bulk).

Anyone keen to know more about the finer points of the ordering process when buying/importing cannabis seeds for licensed production is welcome to contact Dupacan directly.

Cannabis seeds can be supplied as feminised seeds, autoflower seeds or regular seeds. Some licensed growers use regular cannabis seeds for selecting parent strains in order to conduct their own breeding, or for selecting elite mother plants.

Those interested in knowing more about Dupacan’s (Dutch Passion cannabis) history and case studies of various partners around the world can read more below.

Related:
Dupacan case studies, history and news

CBD and medical cannabis in Thailand

A strong initial medical focus was placed on CBD rich strains. On 8 May 2022, Thailand's health minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Facebook that the government will give away a million free cannabis plants to Thai households, beginning on June 9. Many regards this move as a step closer to Thailand's plan to use cannabis as a cash crop. If Thailand can become the regional leader in high quality cannabis production, then this could easily become a multi-$Billion industry within a few years.

Since the 9^th of June 2022, high THC strains/products are also allowed. Cannabis can be used privately at home but not in public. There are no plans, at least not yet, for Thailand to establish a cannabis tourism industry which would rival the Dutch Coffeeshops, Spanish cannabis social clubs or North American dispensaries.

Good to know if you are traveling to Thailand

The new Thai rules are there primarily for the benefit of Thai residents and medical patients rather than tourists. Whilst Thai THC-rich cannabis has always been popular with locals and tourists alike don’t expect Dutch-style levels of tourist tolerance when it comes to cannabis, at least not initially.

As Thailand adapts to its new legal framework many hope that the rules will be adapted and relaxed even further eventually. After all, Thailand is famous for her legendary sativa strains and ‘Thai Sticks’ - premium quality cannabis buds tied to sticks with hemp string. With the great Thai weather and legendary cuisine, Thailand could turbo-charge her tourism industry even further if they eventually do commercialise cannabis for tourists and allow public consumption in licensed bars.

Congratulations to Thailand for her courageous decision to legalise cannabis!