Thousands apply for ‘weed licenses’ prior to delisting of marijuana as a narcotic

Cannabis will be delisted as a narcotic in Thailand on June 9, and thousands of people and organisations have submitted applications for a “weed license” to Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, or FDA.

The license allows individuals or companies to import, possess, grow and produce cannabis or hemp. So far, the FDA has received 4,717 applications. The licenses will allow companies to use marijuana as an ingredient in medicinal products, cosmetics and food and drinks.

An FDA official said that 80 licenses have been issued thus far for the production of cannabis, hemp and cannabidiol, or CBD, products, including hemp seed oil, dietary supplements, beverages, seasoning sauce, jelly candy and instant food.

Without FDA approval, marijuana remains an illicit drug in Thailand. Possession of 10 kilograms of cannabis or more is a crime punishable by 15 years in prison and carries…