Last year, Thailand became the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize medical cannabis. Thailand appears ready to advance its medical marijuana market. According to a September 2, 2019, Forbes article, Thailand removed low-level cannabis and hemp extracts from its list of banned narcotic substances. The new law also allows each household to grow six marijuana plants, Reuters reported.

As part of the new development plan, Thailand will allow CBD extracts with less than 0.2% THC. Thailand plans to include CBD extracts to make medicine, cosmetics, and food. The country plans to grow its agricultural income through hemp.

Thailand’s medical cannabis market is gaining popularity. On September 2, 2019, Reuters reported that Southeast Asia–based venture capital firm Expara planned to raise $30 million by December to invest in cannabis-related technology.

Reuters reported on January 5 that Thailand had opened its first full-time clinic to treat patients with traditional and alternative marijuana-based medicines. The pilot clinic is expected to see 200–300 patients daily.