Hemp goes from zero to economic hero
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A slew of Thai companies have identified opportunities and are planning to ride the wave
published : 1 Mar 2021 at 07:00
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Hemp, a weed that was long regarded as a forbidden plant and included on the country s narcotics list, is taking Thailand by storm.
Ten categories of goods or products ranging from mouth spray, food supplements, skincare products and energy drinks to painkillers and spa products are cashing in on hemp s hype after the government legalised commercial growing in the country last year to promote hemp and cannabis as new cash crops.
From Jan 29, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed individuals, legal entities, government offices, community enterprises and companies to register to use the legal parts of cannabis and hemp for medical purposes, as well as in the textile, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
Caught in the crosshairs
6 Migrant workers and supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi s National League for Democracy Party converge outside the Myanmar embassy on Sathon Road in Bangkok to condemn the military coup. (Photo by Varuth Hirunyatheb)
Feb 1 marked a return to the dark days of military rule for Myanmar. Concerns abound about how the coup will not only destabilise any progress in building democratic principles, but also freeze lucrative foreign investments and economic liberalisation.
The possibility of sanctions by Western nations grows by the day as US President Joe Biden called on Myanmar s generals to relinquish power, while EU leaders condemned the military coup and detainment of the National League for Democracy leaders.