Thailand: first medical cannabis crop authorized

Thailand has just authorized a private company to cultivate CBD cannabis (-1% THC) for export. Cannabis possession remains prohibited in Thailand for the time being, and can be expensive.

The Thai monarchy has entered into a partnership with Thai Cannabis Corporation (TCC) and researchers from Maejo University, near Chiang Mai, to establish a 5-year cultivation project. The project focuses on export and «will identify and cultivate cannabis varieties that are high in CBD (Cannabidiol), but contain less than 1% of THC [...] in accordance with the current laws of the Kingdom of Thailand».

5,000 hectares of land will initially be dedicated to cannabis cultivation. The TCC hopes to create an industry that will «add 1% to Thailand's GDP» of $400 billion, within 10 years.

The purpose of the cannabis cultivation program is therefore primarily financial, as TCC CEO Timothy Luton explains: «The mission of the Thai Cannabis Corporation is to provide an excellent return to shareholders». The program will also employ local farmers.

This program was made possible by a 2016 legislative reform which authorized the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes if the plant contained less than 1% of THC. Interested companies can then apply for a state license, which is awarded on a case-by-case basis. TCC is the first company to receive one.

Despite this announcement, the country's line on drug use remains very tough. Simple possession of cannabis can lead to 1 year's imprisonment, while larger quantities can be punished by 15 years' imprisonment.

Discussions are underway to authorize the medical use of cannabis on the basis of medical prescriptions, without the possibility of self-cultivation for the time being.

Thailand is the second Asian country to announce a medical cannabis production program, after Sri Lanka.