Thailand became the first Asian country to legalize the growing, distribution, and consumption of cannabis in food and drink on June 9, 2022. The government hopes that the legalization of cannabis will boost the country’s agriculture and tourism sectors. However, smoking cannabis in public is still illegal.
In order to open a marijuana dispensary in Thailand, you will need to obtain a license from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are four types of licenses available:
- Growing license: This license allows you to grow cannabis plants for commercial purposes.
- Manufacturing license: This license allows you to produce cannabis extracts, such as oils and tinctures.
- Selling license: This license allows you to sell cannabis plants, extracts, and products containing cannabis.
- Importing and exporting license: This license allows you to import or export cannabis plants, extracts, and products containing cannabis.
To obtain a license, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Thai citizen or a foreigner with a work permit in Thailand.
- Have a registered business in Thailand.
- Provide proof of financial solvency.
- Pass a background check.
- Complete a training course on the responsible use of cannabis.
The application process for a marijuana dispensary license is as follows:
- Submit an application form to the FDA.
- Pay the application fee.
- Provide the required documentation.
- Attend an interview with the FDA.
The FDA will review your application and make a decision within 60 days. If your application is approved, you will be issued a license.
The cost of a marijuana dispensary license varies depending on the type of license you apply for. The growing license costs 50,000 baht, the manufacturing license costs 50,000 baht, the selling license costs 5,000 baht, and the importing and exporting license costs 100,000 baht.
The validity period of a marijuana dispensary license is 3 years. To renew your license, you must apply for a renewal 60 days before the expiration date.
The penalties for operating a marijuana dispensary without a license are severe. You could face imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine of up to 1 million baht.
If you are interested in opening a marijuana dispensary in Thailand, you should contact the FDA for more information.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when opening a marijuana dispensary in Thailand:
- You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- You must have a secure facility to store your cannabis products.
- You must have a qualified staff who can provide information about the responsible use of cannabis.
- You must be prepared to deal with the stigma associated with cannabis use.
The legalization of cannabis in Thailand is a new and evolving landscape. It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and requirements before opening a marijuana dispensary.