Hemp goes from zero to economic hero

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.