The size of the Thai cannabis market is poised to reach approximately 20 billion baht. The cannabis market is not limited to medical cannabis, but is also expanding into the beauty products, beverage, and relaxation industries. The drastic deregulation of cannabis in Thailand has given employment opportunities to those who previously had no jobs, and even former teachers and lawyers have given up their jobs to enter the cannabis industry.
Thailand has seen remarkable development in medical cannabis and industrial hemp, but what will Thailand’s cannabis industry look like in 2024? We will take a deeper look into whether more people will enter the cannabis industry or whether cannabis will be re-regulated.
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The Future of Thailand’s Cannabis Industry
At the 2022 event, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Anutin said that Thailand’s cannabis market value is currently worth 28 billion baht, but with future growth, it is expected to grow to 50 billion baht within a few years.
Within the Asian region, Malaysia has also announced its policy on the use of medical cannabis and has confirmed that it will align itself with Thailand. If Malaysia legalizes medical cannabis, Thailand will be the country that leads Asia.
Canada, for example, has legalized cannabis and now generates 2 billion euros worth of value annually. Thailand, the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis, is expected to become a leader like Canada.
Globally, with Germany’s decision to legalize cannabis, Thai cannabis is also expected to be exported to more global markets.
Recreational cannabis may become more regulated
Cannabis regulations have been significantly deregulated in Thailand in 2022, but only medical cannabis is allowed. However, the number of cannabis stores selling recreational cannabis is increasing in Thailand’s major cities, making it easy for locals and foreign tourists alike to purchase cannabis. Against this backdrop, the Thai Ministry of Health has completed its first draft law aimed at tightening regulations on cannabis. Under the new draft law, anything with more than 0.2% THC will continue to be classified as a narcotic, and individuals who grow cannabis will need a permit, even for personal use.
Licensed cannabis shops will continue to be able to sell cannabis, but will need to comply with further regulations, including prohibitions on smoking on the premises and selling dried cannabis buds. The draft is currently in the draft stage, but a finalized draft will be submitted to the National Assembly.
Development of the Biomass Industry
Thailand’s cannabis industry can be said to be focusing on biomass.
In Thailand, not only CBD and THC research is being conducted by specialized institutions, but also cannabis grass research. Cannabis grass has a high potential to become a resource of the future and could be used to make wood pellets for biomass power generation and biomass fuel oil based on cannabis grass.
Furthermore, cannabis grass is beginning to be used globally, especially in Europe and North America as a material for Hempclete and other applications, and cannabis grass will be gaining momentum in the construction industry. The use of cannabis grass in place of concrete is expected to solve the problem of asbestos. Until now, the materials have been a health hazard due to the use of petroleum-derived paints and chemicals. With some literature stating that hemp grass is the second strongest living organism on earth, the use of organic hemp would be a boon to many different industries.
Summary
A deep dive into the future of Thailand’s cannabis industry in 2024. Thailand’s cannabis market will expand further, making it one of the top countries in Asia. However, regulations on recreational cannabis could be tightened and healthier cannabis use is expected. With the emergence of companies focusing on the biomass industry as well as medical cannabis, beverages, and CBD products, it is possible that not only the healthcare industry, but also the construction industry and materials will incorporate cannabis grass.
We at Cannatopia Farm are committed to contribute to the expansion of the cannabis market in Thailand 2024.