Thailand is giving away a million cannabis plants
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After becoming the first Southeast Asian country to legalize medicinal cannabis in 2018, Thailand became the first in Asia to legalize marijuana in January this year. Under the new regulation, which officially goes into effect on June 9, residents will be allowed to grow cannabis for personal use.
The country’s health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced Sunday that he plans to give away one million marijuana plants, Nation Thailand reported.
Photo by Mongkol Chuewong/Getty Images
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Anutin said that from June 9, residents of Thailand will be allowed to legally grow “as many cannabis plants” as they like in their own homes. While no official registration is required for home cultivation, all plants used for medicinal purposes must be of medical grade.
The minister highlighted the benefits of commercial cannabis cultivation.
Under Thai law, registered businesses are allowed to sell marijuana products with less than 0.2% THC. Anutin added that individuals can operate marijuana-related businesses under the new law.
“This will allow the people and the government to generate more than 10 billion baht ($289.46 million). [per year] in revenue from marijuana and hemp,” he said. “Meanwhile, people can showcase their cannabis and hemp products and knowledge and sell their products nationwide.”
Marijuana entrepreneurs and companies would be free to compete as there would be no concessions, Anutin added.
Photo by Darren Lawrence of Pexels
While small businesses that sell marijuana-related products are not required to register with the FDA, larger operators are required to obtain agency approval.
RELATED: Will Thailand Become the Next Cannabis Tourism Hotspot?
Cannabis advocates in the country believe looser cannabis laws could help accelerate economic recovery after the pandemic. The new marijuana laws are expected to help fuel the country’s tourism industry boom. Travel industry experts believe that like the marijuana plant, the market will thrive.
“Thailand is known as a destination for medical tourism and wellness travel. So these sectors will certainly benefit from the latest developments,” commented Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts.
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
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