Starting today, anyone from members of the public to private businesses can apply to grow hemp legally.
New FDA rules effective today open the doors to anyone to obtain permission to grow hemp, a potentially lucrative cash crop with a wide variety of uses from industrial and commercial uses. Hemp, not to be confused with cannabis, was delisted as a Class V narcotic in November.
Those who apply and get approval will be allowed to acquire, produce, sales and possess hemp. Parts of hemp can be processed to make medicine, food, cosmetic products and dietary supplements.
“This market is large for everyone, and it can grow effectively and sustainably,” Kris Thirakaosal, founder of Golden Triangle Group, told Coconuts Bangkok.
Kris’ firm has been among those awaiting this day. The Bangkok-based cannabinoid producer has joined hands with Chiang Rai Rajabhat University to build a facility to grow and develop hemp species.
Bangkok residents can apply at the FDA’s head office inside the Ministry of Health in Nonthaburi province. Residents in other provinces can apply at their provincial public health offices.
The FDA on Feb. 2 will live stream a training course for hemp growers that will cover apply for a license and registering to provide health-related hemp products.
An FDA rep this morning said questions about the program can be answered by calling 02-590-7794, though the hotline did not seem available yet as of publication time.
