Is Thailand the New Weed Capital of the World?

Introduction

Thailand has made a dramatic shift in its cannabis policy, moving from strict prohibition to partial decriminalization—igniting a billion-dollar weed industry. The legal ambiguity has sparked celebration among cannabis enthusiasts. Cannabis has long played a role in traditional Thai medicine, but in the 1970s, Thailand aligned with the U.S.-led ‘war on drugs,’ classifying cannabis as a narcotic and imposing harsh penalties. That changed in June 2022, when the government removed cannabis from the narcotics list, effectively decriminalizing the sale and personal use of weed. As Australia revisits its own cannabis laws, Southeast Asia correspondent Mazoe Ford travels across Thailand to meet a new wave of ‘ganja-preneurs’ seizing the opportunities of this booming green economy.

Quotes

“Officially, the Thai Government says cannabis should only be for medical or therapeutic use. But the change in the law has left a grey area when it comes to recreational use. And not everyone’s on board. I want to find out how Thailand got to this point, and whether it’s destined to become the Amsterdam of Asia.”

“Cannabis used to grow wild in Thailand and was valued in traditional medicine, before it was clamped down on with a tough Narcotics Act in the 1970s, during the US-led war on drugs. For 50 years, growers, dealers and users faced stiff penalties. Not anymore. It was taken off the banned narcotics list in June this year, but there was no law spelling out who could use it or how.”

“The change in the law has been life-changing for many. In the past, being caught with cannabis meant jail for thousands of people. On the day cannabis was no longer classed as a narcotic, they were released, along with 3,000 other prisoners – an unbelievable turnaround in a nation known for its zero tolerance to drugs.”

“This is one of the first community-run farms to be licensed. It started off growing cannabis high in the therapeutic chemical CBD for a local hospital, but is now also planning to sell plants directly to the public … Farmers right across the country can now apply to grow all types of cannabis.”

“More than 1,000 Thai doctors have pleaded with the government to suspend cannabis decriminalization until the new law is finalised by the parliament.”

“Thailand is famous among young travellers for its full-moon parties on Koh Pha Ngan. Some take drugs here, but no one’s hiding cannabis anymore. It’s not just young people lighting up at parties. Across the water on Koh Samui, this up-market beach club is catering for everyone. Ready-rolled joints are now a feature of the menu.”