Marijuana boom tempts Thais
Thailand, known for its tough policies against drug trafficking, is now looking at legalising medical marijuana. The reason is largely economic. Thailand, which in the 1980s was one of the world’s top cannabis exporters, wants to reap the rewards of the fastgrowing marijuana market. As more countries embrace the medicinal qualities of cannabis, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) is trying to persuade the military Government to approve studying the drug so it can market it for medical use.
“The best strains of cannabis in the world 20 years ago were from Thailand, and now Canada has developed this strain until up to this day, we can’t claim that ours is the best in the world anymore,” says Dr Nopporn Cheanklin, executive managing director of the GPO. “That’s why we must develop our strain to be able to compete with theirs.”
Though it’s looking to allow medical marijuana testing on human subjects, Thailand’s Government wants to maintain its tough reputation regarding drug trafficking. The Thai Government still maintains that cannabis is illegal and will continue to punish those possessing marijuana for recreational purposes, despite considering legalisation.
In May, the Thai Cabinet approved changes to the country’s drug laws to allow research on the effects of medicinal marijuana. The bill is being debated in the National Legislative Assembly, which is expected to give the nod to legalisation.
The global marijuana market is projected to reach US$23b by 2022, with an annual growth rate of 22 per cent in the five-year forecast, according to Arcview Market Research. The world market value for cannabis is now US$12.9 billion for this year.
Uruguay and Canada are leading the way on recreational cannabis.
Thailand could have some natural attributes as a marijuana capital. Production costs could be lower than in some competing countries, making it a potentially attractive destination for foreign producers. Thailand offers a year-long tropical climate, and has an established reputation for marijuana cultivation.
“No other country offers the combination of benefits that Thailand offers within a single jurisdiction,” says Jim Plamondon, vice president of marketing for Thai Cannabis Corp, the country’s first legal cannabis company.
“Thailand has not only the large medical tourism industry, it also has an unparalleled system of traditional medicine that is regulated and standardised.”
The marijuana plant in Thai history has been used to help with pain, nausea and distress during childbirth and was commonly grown for personal use.
However, laws on the books remain tough, and possession of cannabis in Thailand could land its owner in jail for up to 15 years.
The amendment as described by the Government’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board’s Deputy Secretary-General Wichai Chaimongkhon is an attempt to make the country “more international” by opening a window to allow marijuana testing on human subjects, to conduct research or develop medicines.
“Thailand is not a country that likes to be the pioneer in the medical industry,” says Nopporn. “But we certainly will not be the last country to do it.” — Bloomberg
The best strains of cannabis in the world 20 years ago were from Thailand. Dr Nopporn Cheanklin