The Legalization of Cannabis in Thailand
Cannabis infused drinks, cannabis cookies, cannabis face cream, cannabis everywhere. A new law recently passed in Thailand legalizing the use of marijuana, cannabis, hemp or “Ganja” and since then there has been no looking back. The production and supplies of products containing this herb has broken into the market at high rates and high speeds. Most vendors are selling it behind trucks, at car washes even but we should alert you, to use this ingredient, you need to obtain permit to do so, and only at specific quantity so it does not have adverse affects on the users consuming it.
Food license is required to operate a business or a cafe, but if the restaurant or cafe also uses cannabis as one of their ingredients, it must be specified under the food license sign at the restaurant front as per the Ministry of Public Health announcement. Menus containing cannabis must also be clearly disclosed.
As per regulations, the source of cannabis must be legal, the quantity for usage and concentration level measured in THC unit must also be within the specified range which varies under the cooking style and per amount of serving. The reason for such control is because if given in more than specific quantity, it is considered as controlled narcotic drugs.
Like alcohol, there must also be warning label with text such as “Not for consumption by children under the age of 18, pregnant and lactating women”, “In case of diverse effects, stop consuming immediately” and “Consumption may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or working on machinery after consumption”.
Cannabis in oil, creams and skin products must also obtain licenses under the Food and Drugs Administration specific to cannabis in addition to the regular FDA license as per requirements regulated by the Department.
Like other business operations, the company must be registered under Thai law with a head office in Thailand with same director/shareholder requirements as a regular company structure.
If you’re interested in setting up a cannabis business, feel free to get in touch with our Bangkok-based lawyers, who will be pleased to go through the process and requirements with you.