An international medicinal cannabis research centre will be established in Thailand after its public health ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with RxLeaf World Medica.
The move is part of Thailand’s plan to become a world-class cannabis production hub, bringing together doctors, researchers and experts from countries such as Canada and the Netherlands to conduct product research and development and build local knowledge.
Deputy prime minister and minister of public health Anutin Charnvirakul said the centre would help the country’s economic recovery after Covid-19, adding Thailand has both the personnel and physical capability to compete in the legal global cannabis market valued at around US$12.5 billion by Prohibition Partners.
The centre is part of the government’s plan to promote the country as a comprehensive medical hub in Asia, fuelling the development of the cannabis value chain including cultivation, standardisation, market expansion and investment in new products.
It would also create a medicinal cannabis wellness and tourism hub and add value to the food and drink market by allowing farmers and entrepreneurs to grow and develop sustainable products.
RxLeaf World Medica is a subsidiary of Amara Asia Company Limited, which specialises in cultivating cannabis for medicinal use.
