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Cannabis Cultivation and Everything You Need to Know about Growing


Cannabis is commonly referred to as marijuana and is a psychoactive drug that can be used for medical or recreational purposes. In Thailand, cannabis has been cultivated for centuries and is widely available. Cannabis farming in Thailand is often done in small scale operations, with farmers growing the plant for personal use or to sell to others. Cannabis plants typically contains THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. Cannabis farming in Thailand is not regulated by the government and there are no laws that prohibit its cultivation. However, possession and consumption of cannabis is illegal in Thailand and can result in stiff penalties, including imprisonment. Despite the legal risks, many people in Thailand continue to grow and use cannabis.
Climatic and Soil Conditions


Cannabis plants require a warm, humid climate with plenty of sunlight to thrive. Thailand’s tropical climate is ideal for growing cannabis, and the plant can be found growing wild in many parts of the country. The temperature in Thailand rarely falls below 20 degrees Celsius, making it possible to grow cannabis year-round.

The rainfall requirement for cannabis is about 100-150 cm per year.

The optimum pH range for cannabis is between 6 and 7.

Cannabis plants can be grown in a variety of soil types, but loamy soils with good drainage are best. Cannabis plants have a deep taproot system and require fertile soils that are high in organic matter.

Thai farmers typically grow cannabis in small plots of land using traditional farming methods. Cannabis plants are often grown mixed with other crops, such as rice, maize, or peanuts. This type of mixed cultivation is known as “taungya” and is common in Thailand.
How to Plant Cannabis

Cannabis is a beautiful and versatile plant that has many uses. It can be planted indoors or outdoors, in soil or hydroponically, and it can even be grown in a container. Whether you are growing cannabis for personal use or for commercial purposes, there are some basic steps you need to follow to ensure a successful crop.
Spacing

For indoor growing, it is recommended to space each cannabis plant about 2 feet apart. This allows the plants room to grow and prevents them from overcrowding each other. If you are growing outdoors, you will need to space the plants depending on the size of the area you have available. The general rule of thumb is to space each plant about 6-8 inches apart.
Choosing the Right Container

If you are growing cannabis in a container, it is important to choose the right size and type of container. Cannabis plants can grow quite large, so you will need a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter. Be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.

You can also grow cannabis in hydroponic systems. These systems use a growing medium other than soil, such as sand, gravel, or rock wool. Hydroponic systems are often used by commercial growers because they allow for faster growth and bigger yields.
Getting the Right Light

Cannabis plants need a lot of light to grow properly. If you are growing indoors, you will need to provide your plants with artificial light. The best type of artificial light for cannabis is high-intensity discharge (HID) light, such as metal halide (MH) or high-pressure sodium (HPS). These lights emit a lot of heat, so be sure to use a fan to ventilate your grow room and prevent the plants from getting too hot.

If you are growing outdoors, your plants will need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you live in an area with long summer days, you can supplement your plants with artificial light to give them even more light.

Watering Your Plants

Cannabis plants need to be watered regularly to stay healthy. The amount of water your plants need will depend on the type of soil you are using, the size of the pot, and the climate you are growing in. In general, cannabis plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry. Overwatering can be just as harmful to your plants as not watering them enough.

Fertilizing Your Plants

The cannabis plant is a heavy feeder and will need to be fertilized regularly to produce a good yield. There are many different types of fertilizer available, so it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for cannabis plants. Fertilizers typically come in two forms: liquid and solid. Solid fertilizers are applied to the soil, while liquid fertilizers are mixed with water and applied to the plants.

It is important to fertilize your plants regularly, but be sure not to overdo it. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage your plants. Start with a low dose of fertilizer and increase it gradually as the plants grow.

Cannabis plants are susceptible to a variety of different pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause serious damage to the plants, and they can also transmit diseases. To control these pests, farmers need to use a variety of different methods, including chemical pesticides, biological controls, and physical barriers.  Weed Control  Weeds are a common problem in cannabis cultivation, as they can compete with the plants for resources, including water and nutrients. To control weeds, farmers need to use a variety of different methods, including chemical herbicides, mechanical cultivation, and mulching. Irrigation  Cannabis plants need to be watered regularly to maintain healthy growth. The amount of water that a plant needs depends on a number of factors, including the type of plant, the stage of growth, and the climate. In general, cannabis plants need to be watered every day during the vegetative stage and every other day during the flowering stage.  Cannabis farm Thailand is a great way to get into the cannabis business. The country has a tropical climate that is ideal for growing cannabis. Additionally, the government is supportive of the industry and there is a growing demand for cannabis products. If you are interested in starting a cannabis farm in Thailand, follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can be on your way to success.
Breeding Control in Cannabis Farming


When it comes to breeding cannabis, there are a few key things that farmers need to keep in mind in order to produce the best possible crop. First and foremost, it is important to maintain a good level of control over the breeding process. This means keeping track of which plants are being used for breeding, as well as ensuring that only the healthiest and most viable plants are used in the process.

Another important aspect of breeding control is maintaining a good level of genetic diversity. This is important because it helps to ensure that the plants are able to adapt and survive in a variety of different conditions. By having a greater degree of genetic diversity, farmers can be sure that their plants will be better equipped to deal with whatever challenges they may face.

Also, it is also important to consider the end goal of the breeding process. This means thinking about what traits you want to see in the final product. By having a clear idea of what you are hoping to achieve, you can be sure that your breeding efforts are more likely to be successful.
Pollination Control


One of the most important aspects of breeding cannabis is controlling the pollination process. This means ensuring that only the desired plants are pollinated, and that unwanted pollen does not come into contact with the plants. There are a few different ways to achieve this, but one of the most common is to use physical barriers such as screens or bags.

Another method of pollination control is to use chemicals. This involves applying a chemical treatment to the plants that prevents pollen from adhering to them. This can be an effective way to prevent unwanted pollination, but it is important to use the right products and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the plants.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to hand-pollinate the plants. This is a more time-consuming process, but it allows for greater control over which plants are pollinated.

Selective Breeding

Once the pollination process has been controlled, the next step is to select the desired plants for breeding. This involves choosing plants that have the desired traits and then breeding them together. The process of selective breeding can be used to create new strains of cannabis or to improve existing ones.

It is important to select the right plants for breeding, as this will determine the final outcome of the process. This means considering factors such as the desired traits, as well as the plant’s overall health and vigor.

Once the desired plants have been selected, the next step is to bring them together for breeding. This can be done by either growing the plants together in the same space or by exchanging pollen between them.

The process of selective breeding can be time-consuming, but it is an important part of creating new and improved strains of cannabis. By carefully selecting the right plants and then breeding them together, farmers can create strains that have the desired traits and that are more likely to be successful in a variety of different conditions.
Cannabis Seed production

The final step in the breeding process is to produce seeds from the desired plants. This involves carefully harvesting the pollen from the plants and then using it to fertilize the female plants. The process of seed production can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is essential for creating new strains of cannabis.

Once the seeds have been produced, they can be used to grow new plants or to breed further generations of plants. The seeds can also be sold to other farmers or cannabis growers, who can then use them to grow their own crops.

Seed production is a vital part of the breeding process, as it allows farmers to create new strains of cannabis and to improve existing ones. By carefully selecting the right plants and then producing seeds from them, farmers can create strains that have the desired traits and that are more likely to be successful in a variety of different conditions.

Fiber Production in Cannabis Production

The time it takes for a plant to mature can vary depending on the strain, but most cannabis plants will be ready to harvest within 10-12 weeks from planting. The length of time it takes for a plant to mature can be affected by a number of factors, including the amount of light and nutrients it receives, as well as the temperature and humidity levels in the grow room.

Once the plants have reached maturity, they can be harvested and the fiber can be extracted from the stems. The process of fiber extraction can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it is essential for creating high-quality cannabis products. There are a number of methods that can be used to extract the fiber from the plants.

Biological Pooling Method

The biological pooling method is the most common method of fiber extraction. This involves using a solution of water and enzymes to break down the plant material and release the fibers. The process of extracting the fiber using this method can be time-consuming, but it is often the best option for creating high-quality cannabis products.Chemical Extraction Method

The chemical extraction method is another common method of fiber extraction. This involves using a solvent, such as ethanol, to extract the fiber from the plant material. The process of extracting the fiber using this method can be time-consuming, but it is often the best option for creating high-quality cannabis products.

iii. Mechanical Extraction Method

The mechanical extraction method is the most common method of fiber extraction. This involves using a machine to strip the fiber from the plant material. The process of extracting the fiber using this method can be time-consuming, but it is often the best option for creating high-quality cannabis products.

Once the fiber has been extracted, it can be used to create a variety of different products, including rope, fabric, paper, and insulation. The fiber can also be used to make a number of other products, such as biofuels and construction materials.
Cannabis plants are susceptible to a variety of different pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause serious damage to the plants, and they can also transmit diseases. To control these pests, farmers need to use a variety of different methods, including chemical pesticides, biological controls, and physical barriers.  Weed Control  Weeds are a common problem in cannabis cultivation, as they can compete with the plants for resources, including water and nutrients. To control weeds, farmers need to use a variety of different methods, including chemical herbicides, mechanical cultivation, and mulching. Irrigation  Cannabis plants need to be watered regularly to maintain healthy growth. The amount of water that a plant needs depends on a number of factors, including the type of plant, the stage of growth, and the climate. In general, cannabis plants need to be watered every day during the vegetative stage and every other day during the flowering stage.  Cannabis farm Thailand is a great way to get into the cannabis business. The country has a tropical climate that is ideal for growing cannabis. Additionally, the government is supportive of the industry and there is a growing demand for cannabis products. If you are interested in starting a cannabis farm in Thailand, follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can be on your way to success.
Other Cannabis Maintenance Activities

Pest Control

Cannabis plants are susceptible to a variety of different pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause serious damage to the plants, and they can also transmit diseases. To control these pests, farmers need to use a variety of different methods, including chemical pesticides, biological controls, and physical barriers.

Weed Control

Weeds are a common problem in cannabis cultivation, as they can compete with the plants for resources, including water and nutrients. To control weeds, farmers need to use a variety of different methods, including chemical herbicides, mechanical cultivation, and mulching.
Irrigation

Cannabis plants need to be watered regularly to maintain healthy growth. The amount of water that a plant needs depends on a number of factors, including the type of plant, the stage of growth, and the climate. In general, cannabis plants need to be watered every day during the vegetative stage and every other day during the flowering stage.

Cannabis farm Thailand is a great way to get into the cannabis business. The country has a tropical climate that is ideal for growing cannabis. Additionally, the government is supportive of the industry and there is a growing demand for cannabis products. If you are interested in starting a cannabis farm in Thailand, follow the steps outlined in this guide. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can be on your way to success.

Cannabis seeds, other plant material no longer to be ‘narcotics’ Thailand’s Narcotics Control Committee resolved on November 24 nod to a law amendment that would exclude the leaves, branches, stems, trunks, bark, fibre and roots of cannabis and hemp from the government's narcotics list

Cannabis for medical purposes was formally legalized in Thailand in February this year when HM the King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) signed into law a bill to amend the Narcotics Act. Thailand hence became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize medical marijuana.  

The bill, which had been approved by Thailand's military-appointed National Legislative Assembly in December 2018, was drafted by the FDA, the Public Health Ministry and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau . It allows for controlled research, cultivation, processing, possession and commercialization of medicinal cannabis in delimited forms. 

The development coincided with Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha using his powers under the Constitution's Article 44 (which when invoked legalizes any government action) to put aside ten-year-old pending patent claims on cannabis derivatives by several foreign companies, which were filed with Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property . 

Almost immediately thereafter, one of the nation's largest newspapers, Thairath, ran an editorial in which, after citing the list of officials on a committee studying the issue, explained that, "It is necessary to cite these names as they and their supporters must be held responsible for the damage occurring when this law goes into effect... Clearly, foreigners are the ones who stand to benefit from it and that is why it was enacted... What is worse, other
drugs, such as the opiates, will escape restriction as a result."

If Thairath's opinion represents the conservative view in Thailand, that of the political party Bhumjaithai is the clearest expression of liberal thinking. One of the party's principal issues during the recent election campaign was to legalize cannabis under the so-called "California Model", declassifying the plant from the controlled substance list while giving Thai citizens the right to cultivate up to six plants per household.

It should be noted, however, that unlike respective models in California and several other US states that permit households to cultivate and possess cannabis specifically for personal use, the Bhumjaithai proposal is unique in that it appeals for ordinary citizens -- whether users or not -- to cultivate the plants for the purpose of generating income by selling their harvest exclusively to the government. 

The party plastered Bangkok with banners proclaiming: "Plant and sell ganja for 70,000 baht per kilogram. Topple all restrictions for the people's mouths and bellies." The message was accompanied by cartoon figures of a farmer standing before stacks of gold coins on a background of marijuana leaves. Another poster announced that planting medical cannabis "will make Thais rich" and that legalizing it "reduces the power of the state."

It is notable that for all sides on the cannabis issue the financial aspect is foremost, as the government, too, in its considerations, focuses on the profit potential in industry, medicine and as an export.

That is not surprising in view of estimated recreational cannabis use among Thais: the 2011 UN World Drug Report, citing statistics from 2007, ranked Thailand 135th in terms of frequency among 165 countries with marijuana usage statistics (tied, curiously, with Mexico). The survey reported that cannabis use at least once during the previous year among Thais aged 12 - 65 was about 1.2 percent. That compares with 16.2 percent in the US; 29.5 percent in Papua New Guinea; 27 percent in Israel; 18 percent in Iceland; and 32.7 percent in Canada (the world no. 1). By comparison with bordering nations: Cambodia was listed at 3.5 percent; Myanmar at 0.9; Laos at 0.9; Vietnam at 0.3; and Malaysia at 1.6. Singapore, at 0.0004 percent, had the world's lowest usage rate.

Though Thailand long has been celebrated in the popular mind with cannabis (especially in the form of 'Thai stick'), cultivation, possession, sale, and use were prohibited under the Kingdom’s Cannabis Act, B.E. 2477 (1935), the Narcotics Act of 2522 (1979) and the Psychotropic Substances Act B.E. 2518 (1975).

Since 2005, however, gradual progressive liberalization has occurred. Then began cultivation, research and breeding of industrial hemp. Northern hill tribe farmers planted it under the auspices of Royal Project Patronage through the Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI) at Pang Da Royal Agricultural Station in Samerng district of Chiang Mai Province. HDMI, in collaboration with Mae Jo University, cultivated hemp containing less than 0.3% THC dry weight in accord with European standards.

That resulted in successful breeding of four low-THC varieties registered with the Thai PVP office.

Even though these strains were bred for the purpose of cultivating industrial fiber, they are among the main parent lines being used in oil-grade cannabis breeding trials being carried out through a public-private-partnership between Maejo University and the Thai Cannabis Corporation.  (details here

In January 2017, the Public Health Ministry issued the Ministerial Regulation Re: Licensing and Approval for the Production, Distribution or Possession of Narcotics Category V Hemp -- the first Thai legislation differentiating hemp and marijuana. It enables issuance of permits, since January 2018, for cultivation of industrial hemp containing no more than 1% THC dry weight. Locales where such permits may be issued, however, were limited to those designated by government agencies. 

By 2017, however, 28 plots of hemp totaling 64 rai (1 rai = 0.4 acres) were already growing in Chiang Rai Province; 21 plots totaling 35 rai in Chiang Mai; six plots totaling three-and-a-half rai in Nan; two plots totaling four rai in Mae Hong Son and one plot on one rai in Lampun Province. In Tak Province were 27 plots on 43 rai; Petchabun had one plot on two rai. In all, 86 plots on 152 rai were growing in 20 sub-districts of 13 districts among seven provinces.

Following the formal legalization of medical cannabis earlier this year, Thailand’s  Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) opened in Pathum Thani province the first legal cannabis greenhouse. Built at a cost of 10 million baht, the hundred-square-meter structure aims at growing plants suitable for extracting pure cannabis oils for medical and research purposes preliminary to treating diseases covered by the new medical marijuana legislation. 

R&D momentum is growing rapidly. Several Thai academic institutions have announced plans or projects to pursue and/or expand on industrial hemp and medical cannabis research with commercial objectives. In addition to breeding and production trials being conducted by Maejo University as mentioned previously, other institutions that have jumped on the Thai cannabis bandwagon include Rangsit University (RU), Chiang Mai University, Kasetsart University, Khon Kaen University, the Rajamangala University of Technology Isan and Naresuan University (NU). 

Anticipating imminent legalization, Rangsit University got a head-start in the race after it obtained the country's first license to conduct medical cannabis research, which it used to develop a cannabis spray that it says can reduce pain in patients with cancer or multiple sclerosis. When the university revealed its pilot product in April, 2018, which was developed from compounds extracted from low-grade illicit marijuana provided by the Narcotics Control Bureau,  human trials had yet to be conducted. At that time, the university announced it would conduct such trials after cultivating its own medical-grade cannabis when the law permitted it to do so. 

Naresuan University -- which has a biotechnology and agriculture PPP track record with a leading multinational corporation --  affirms high-quality cannabis-derived medicines will be available in about five years as a result of the institution's research, which combines resources from several different faculties with an eye to developing medicines from marijuana and hemp. All are approved by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation. At present, NU receives bricks of marijuana from the Royal Thai Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau because the university is presently enjoined from growing its own. Though this is likely to change. 

NU's work involves analyzing and separating cannabinoids while ensuring extracts have proper amounts of THC and CBD.

Researchers are focused on developing pain-killing extracts for sublingual use and treatments for abnormal skin conditions. They expect to develop also a hemp-based gauze to both bind and heal wounds.

With regard to trade, those obtaining a license can produce, possess, import, and export cannabis for medical purposes, subject to the following conditions: each import or export of cannabis transacted must be accompanied by a license. It is also legal if for purposes of providing medicinal benefit in treating illness; for education, research, or developing agriculture, commerce, science, and industry.

Moreover, no more than is required for treatment of specific diseases is allowed, accompanied by prescription or certificate from authorized persons: e.g., dentists, physicians, or professional practitioners of Thai traditional medicine.

And since the current legislation specifically requires private entities to collaborate with state enterprises, and for any such venture to have clearly defined research objectives, we expect more Thai universities and ressearch institutions to enter the fray in the coming months and years. 

Will Thailand in the foreseeable future legalize the plant for recreational purposes? The rhetoric is largely against it. On the other hand, some 20,000 are expected to join the 'Pan Ram' festival in Buriram Province -- with music, art, educational workshops, and vendors all dedicated to full legalization of cannabis in Thailand.

Newin Chidchob, founder of the Bhumjaithai party, is sponsoring the
event with other prominent Thai cannabis activists April 19-21 at the Chang International Circuit, a Formula 1 track in Buriram. Also of important note are results of an opinion survey taken 1 - 11 March. In a poll of 1,116 working citizens by the Super Poll organization, affiliated with Thamasat University, 58.5 percent of male and 43 percent of female respondents agreed with Bhumjaithai's pro-cannabis policies. 51.8 percent of farmers surveyed agreed, along with 61.5 percent of government workers and 71.4 percent of private
sector employees.

It might be best to line-up a joint-venture partner before doing cannabis business in Thailand, however, as, among all survey respondents, 90.6 percent oppose foreign ownership of Thai cannabis patents.