Thailand distributes one million cannabis plants to people to grow at home

These cannabis plants will begin to be distributed to families as a “home crop” from June, when the new regulation on cannabis plants comes into effect, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health said. Thai economist Anutin Charnvirakul said last weekend.

This regulation, signed by Mr. Anutin in February and effective from June 9, allows people to grow cannabis plants at home after notifying the local government, but it must be medical marijuana. for medicinal purposes and not to exceed 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the stimulant found in cannabis).

Home-grown cannabis is not for commercial use. Large-scale cannabis businesses will still be required to obtain a license from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Thailand.

Kitty Chopaka, a Bangkok-based cannabis trader, said the regulation is intended to pave the way for people to use cannabis in products such as tea or soup for medical purposes.

“You can still break the law without a doctor’s legal prescription,” she said. “You can only grow cannabis at home and use it as you please while being treated for certain illnesses.”

Late last month, the FDA received approximately 4,700 applications for permits to import, possess, grow, and produce cannabis and hemp. Bangkok Post news.

Mr. Anutin is leading efforts to legalize cannabis in Thailand. Cannabis began to be legalized in the country in 2018, for research and medical use. Some restrictions on cannabis plants have been gradually relaxed since then.

Thai officials hope the new regulation will help the cannabis growing industry flourish, not only directly generating hundreds of millions of dollars a year, but also attracting foreign tourists, contributing to the recovery of this country’s tourism industry. after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This move will help the Thai people and government generate more than $289 million a year from cannabis and hemp,” Anutin said.

Duc Trung (According to AP/CNN)