Thai officials on Wednesday urged people interested in cultivating cannabis and hemp to register via a mobile application as the plants will be removed from the Type 5 narcotics list on June 9.
The application is called “Plookganja” and it will be available to download on the same day that the delisting officially takes place, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The announcement is in line with official guidance for individuals to grow cannabis and hemp at home without a permit, but the grower must inform the authorities of the amount and location of those plants.
This step will allow Thais to use parts of those plants for medical purposes, but public health minister Anutin Charnvirakul has warned that those plants should not be used recreationally.
However, any products having more than 2 per cent extract of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance, are still classified Type 5 narcotics and are subject to regulations.
“People will be able to utilize cannabis and hemp to take care of themselves,” said Withit Saritsadeechaikul, deputy secretary-general of the FDA. He added that those who wish to register at government agencies can also do so.
Thai police arrested a 55-year-old woman earlier this week on charges of unlawfully growing cannabis and seized one marijuana plant from her. This drew outrage on social media, prompting the police chief to issue an order transferring those officers to inactive status until further notice.
Thai government to launch mobile app for cannabis growers to register next week
