Thailand Legalizes Hemp Farming
Thailand officials have legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp.
“The Cabinet has already approved hemp as an economic plant,” says Sirinya Sittichai, secretary-general of the nation’s Narcotics Control Board.
According to Sittichai, hemp cultivation will be allowed in 15 districts in six provinces; these provinces are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phetchabun, Mae Hong Son and Tak.
All hemp being cultivated must contain no more than 1% THC.
“The Thailand Tobacco Monopoly will buy the harvest from growers”, says Sittichai.
Recently a panel led by Charnchao Chaiyanukij, permanent secretary at the Justice Ministry, began examining possible alternatives to cannabis prohibition.
Sittichai says that although cannabis can be dangerous, he notes that “marijuana can also be used for medical purposes. We therefore need to study the matter thoroughly.”
Polling released earlier this year found that when asked about cannabis, 80.31% of those in Thailand responded “Yes, I believe it should be legalized for both medicinal and recreational uses”; 13.23% stated that they believe cannabis should be legal just for medical purposes, and just 6% said cannabis should be illegal for all purposes.