Thailand is giving away 1 million cannabis plants to celebrate new home-growing laws

Residents can grow medicinal cannabis at home, and businesses can manufacture CBD and hemp products with less than 0.2% THC.

On June 9th, residents of Thailand will be able to grow as many medicinal cannabis plants as they like in their own homes.

To celebrate the historic day, Thai officials are giving away 1 million free cannabis plants for citizens to grow at home. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the draw on Facebook on Monday (8 May) to build anticipation for the big day.

(Sachai Lalit / AP)

The highlights of Thailand’s new weed laws

• Home cultivators do not have to notify their local government before starting cultivation, according to a Nation of Thailand report
• Breeders must secure additional licenses before cultivating cannabis plants for non-medical commercial purposes, such as a CBD or hemp business
• The Thai government will conduct regular inspections to prevent unauthorized operations from springing up
• Small hemp and CBD sellers are free to enter the marketplace and do not need to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Large marijuana-related companies must receive FDA approval before they can operate
• Households can form communities grow or cooperatives that produce cannabis for public and government facilities, including hospitals, or for commercial food and cosmetic products

Big plans for pot in Thailand

The health secretary also shared plans to legalize recreational use soon. Thailand’s officials want to make cannabis one of its top cash crops. According to the, about a third of Thailand’s workforce is dependent on agriculture United Nations.

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“This will allow the people and the government to generate more than 10 billion baht [per year] in income from marijuana and hemp,” explains Anutin Charnvirakul. “Meanwhile, people can showcase their cannabis and hemp products and knowledge and sell their products nationwide.”

Thailand approved medicinal cannabis in 2018, becoming the first South Asian country to legalize the plant for medicinal purposes and studies. Last year, beverage and cosmetics companies across the country began rolling out hemp and CBD products after they were approved as consumer products.

If you’re looking to celebrate this historic advance with the Thais, try finding a classic chocolate Thai stick, or track down some Futura and delicious Dee Thai gummy candy.

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