Thailand approves hemp cultivation

The cabinet of Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly has approved a proposal to permit hemp cultivation in six provinces in the country’s northern region as part of a project to explore the use of plants for medical purposes.

Officials with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board announced Tuesday said the proposal will be implemented in 2017 in 15 districts in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phetchabun, according to the Bangkok Post.

The hemp grown may not have more than 1% THC, otherwise cultivators could face punishment.

Around 20 countries have legalized or are moving to legalize some form of possession of medical marijuana, including Turkey in October.