The bad actors in Thailand’s cannabis industry

[george]

EDITORIAL

by Kitty Chopaka
 

Hi, I'm Kitty, as seen in many news media (just Google it ????). I don't usually post things in English for the last few years not because I'm not fluent in the language but I feel that what I have to say are addressed to Thais and concerned Thai laws/regulations. I would like to take this time to address what's going on in Thailand regarding cannabis right now, where I stand, what I stand for and what I'm going to do about.

 

A little rundown on me so people don't embarrass themselves with DMs that's inappropriate. I am a 37 years old married mother of two, "Chopaka" (Licensed cannabis shop and ThaiFDA approved terpene flavoured gummy) founder, owner and gummy pusher, advocate and activists for fair cannabis access. Where I would like to believe I have some influence in the legalisation of cannabis in Thailand, at least some of the protests made for some great photos. 

 

Back to the point.

Cannabis (plant and flowers, extract with THC above 0.2% are still considered as Narcotic) had been delisted from the Narcotic List since the 9th of June 2022, instead of having the Cannabis Act. ready, it was delayed and was not in the drafting process at parliament for a few more months. Which cause the Health Department to re-categorise cannabis as "control herb" where they then put in place the No sale to minor, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as making edible illegal.

 

When the drafting process eventually started I was involved as one of the "Committee Advisor" where for many weeks we had grueling all day meetings, sometime twice a week to draft the Act. It was then used as political weapon and was shot down just before parliament dissolved.

Now it's election time, where some political parties want cannabis to go back into the Narcotic List, and with no active government no law can we made or pass so we're stuck here without the Cannabis Act. to lay the foundation to cannabis control, consumer protection, products and industry regulations and more, while the Narcotic status loom overhead. 

While the chaos regarding the law was happening we are drowned in illegal imports from the US and Canada as well as over the borders from our neighbours.
 

Cannabis Brands from over the world eyed Thailand and came to stake thier claim to the new Asian market, spilling garbage about supporting the local industry while acting through nominees, and shipping our heritage strains back home to then sell back illegal imports to Thais that are paid minimum wage as farmhands. Many brands have the word Thai in their name but not a single Thai flower or owner can be seen.

 

With the promotion of use, of the highest THC, of illegal products (edibles, tinctures, extracts, oils and hash) by brands and shops in a matter that's not different to promoting Alcohol, opening illegal consumption room in a way that is no different than a bar. Which made many Thais who are not involved with cannabis annoyed and feel that cannabis are out of control, hence should be made illegal again. 

 

So what can a Kitty do about it? I am currently working on "The people's Cannabis Act." with other cannabis groups, activists and advocates, as well as the general public to be submitted to parliament when it comes back in session. We are also hunting for 10,000+ signatures (Thais with Thai ID only) to then submit to the next Health Minister demanding that Cannabis are not place back on the Narcotic List. Last but not least, tackling the problem of illegal imports that's hurting our local grower, and bad actors from afar that does not care for the local industry.

 

Love me or hate me, I do not care, as where I stand, here in Thai land, fighting for what is right, for fairness, for rights as well as changing perception regarding misrepresentation of a simple plant and I will continue to fight for what is right knowing that there's many others that will benefit from what I've done. 
 

Call out to all those foreign owned cannabis stores who didn't contribution to the fight, and are just free-loading on the backs of those who are, those who are bad actors importing in illegal cannabis, buy and sell illegal imports. I hope that you live a long life to see that money doesn't always brings happiness and greed will only bring pains.

Kitty Chopaka:

https://www.facebook.com/chokwankittychopaka

 

#NoFilter #IWokeUpLikeThis #kittychopaka

[Jingthing]

Why demonize foreign shop owners?

I understand promoting local production though.

Aren't most Thai shop owners simply profit seeking opportunists the same as the foreign?

Your POV comes off as toxic hyper nationalism, kind of like if xenophobic  Trump was Thai. 

Foreigners here have made Thailand their new home. Where is the respect for fellow human beings?

[bamnutsak]

10 minutes ago, george said:

Last but not least, tackling the problem of illegal imports that's hurting our local grower, and bad actors from afar that does not care for the local industry.

For the most part she's a positive force for the advancement of cannabis in Thailand. Does she like the limelight a little too much? Yep.

 

Several of us have been telling her, since June 2022) that the bad actors start and end with the corrupt Thai officials allowing illegal cannabis to enter Thailand. Powerful forces are behind this.

 

That said, domestically grown cannabis (indoor, outdoor, greenhouse/deps) is quickly replacing the imports.

 

 

9 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Why demonize foreign shop.owners?

It's her schtick. They all have Thai partners, and pay for "services".

 

Interesting that Thailand encourages foreign investment, and boasts about increases in foreign investment. But cannabis....

[Jingthing]

Good politics then to unfairly trash people of non Thai nationality and race.

Yes she is clearly doing good work but the xenophobia is sickening. 

[bamnutsak]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

Yes she is clearly doing good work but the xenophobia is sickening. 

Yes, some bad comes along with the good. AFAIK, her husband is Canadian, so the xenophobia is strange.

 

I think the desire to blame foreigners is simply a character flaw, not limited to Thai cannabis activists.

 

 

[stoner]

does she still have grams for sale at 1234 baht ? 

 

 

[stoner]

Just now, bamnutsak said:

 

I think the desire to blame foreigners is simply a character flaw

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Denim]

She has some valid points :

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailands-promised-cannabis-bonanza-disappoints-politicians-trade-blame-2023-04-06/

[RandolphGB]

Her view seems to be that Thais legally dealing cannabis is OK. But foreigners doing the same thing is bad.

 

All that education and appearances in so 'many news media' and she's still a pretentious xenophobic simpleton.

[NextG]

13 minutes ago, RandolphGB said:

Her view seems to be that Thais legally dealing cannabis is OK. But foreigners doing the same thing is bad.

 

All that education and appearances in so 'many news media' and she's still a pretentious xenophobic simpleton.

Cannot say much for her perceived fluency in the English language either…

Plus she comes over as greedy and a bit of a narcissist..

 

 

[LivinLOS]

40 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Why demonize foreign shop owners?

I understand promoting local production though.

Again with the anti competitive 'must block anyone else'. 

Its never lets make the best product, lets provide the best service, lets offer the best value.. Its always lets ban our competition, block any one that tries to 'take our cake' as though the customer somehow belongs to them and them only. 

Its the same with everything from tuktuks and win riders, to beer brewing, and now to cannabis.. 

[SamuiGrower]

47 minutes ago, george said:

shipping our heritage strains back home to then sell back illegal imports to Thais that are paid minimum wage as farmhands.

All very, very valid points except for the “shipping heritage strains back home….” Not even close or valid. Do you really believe that? Hybrid crossing of “Thai Strains” were done in the infancy of sativa/indica genetics. And, selling back pure landrace strains? Where? This is pure fiction and lessens your zeal.
 

All cannabis products sold in Thailand should be grown, produced and processed in Thailand. California and Canada importation is a flaw in the rushed legislation.

 

 

[bamnutsak]

3 minutes ago, LivinLOS said:

Again with the anti competitive 'must block anyone else'. 

Well it is illegal to EXPORT cannabis from any State in the U.S., and from Canada.

 

And it is illegal to IMPORT cannabis into Thailand. (yes, there is a loophole for "scientific research")

 

So there's that.

 

 

The import thing was a result of needing inventory to sell in the months immediately after legalization. It was a blip. And while there may always be imports, domestic production will probably get 75 - 80% of the market (in weight).

 

 

[Kaopad999]

Hello Kitty!! 

[RandolphGB]

3 minutes ago, NextG said:

Cannot say much for her perceived fluency in the English language either…

Plus she comes over as greedy and a bit of a narcissist..

 

 

 

She wants cannabis to be legal and commercialised, but only on her terms. E.g. no pesky foreigners making money out of it.  So she's basically advocating for state control and legislation to control cannabis, which is the opposite of decriminalisation and the free market. She can't have her (cannabis) cake and eat it.

 

As for her xenophobia, she's not unlike 99% of the country.

 

Quote

We are also hunting for 10,000+ signatures (Thais with Thai ID only) 

 

What amuses me about these kinds, is that they probably attend protests against state control while demanding 'demoocccwaaccy'.

 

[IamNoone88]

Foreign investment across all sectors over the past 30 years have helped develop Thailand. Foreign buyers as well. I am all for developing better cash crops for Thai's but get used to something ... its called Competition ... and it doesn't care who you are or where you are .. its coming for you in one shape or form.

[SamuiGrower]

14 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

And while there may always be imports, domestic production will probably get 75 - 80% of the market (in weight).

Doubt that! And, where is that statistic? Dubious supposition at best.

 

Dispensaries in Samui are all too proud to tell you about their ‘Cali’ imports. If this wasn’t so, they would be importing from Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiangmai.

 

“And it is illegal to IMPORT cannabis into Thailand. (yes, there is a loophole for "scientific research")”

 

This is also NOT true. I have seen valid import licenses. Many. Yes, it is illegal export it out of the US and Canada. Trust me, that in and of itself will allow the US DEA to pressure And influence Thai legislation in the coming round of regulations, that you all know is coming.

[Kaopad999]

19 minutes ago, LivinLOS said:

Again with the anti competitive 'must block anyone else'. 

Its never lets make the best product, lets provide the best service, lets offer the best value.. Its always lets ban our competition, block any one that tries to 'take our cake' as though the customer somehow belongs to them and them only. 

Its the same with everything from tuktuks and win riders, to beer brewing, and now to cannabis.. 

I understand where you're coming from. I can see how it would make sense in an already fully developed country where opportunities are abundant. However, in the case of Thailand, I believe it needs more time to flourish. It's important to give Thai people the chance to pursue opportunities before foreigners come in and take a large slice of the pie with their larger buying power

 

[hotchilli]

A complete fiasco from start to [it ain't finished yet] propagated by Anutin who was out for a populist policy to win appeal and push for his place at the top of the tree.

[BestB]

do not know much about cannabis, and do not really want to know BUT

 

All so often i hear the same drivel from the Thai how foreigners run businesses through nominees and do this or that, HOWEVER the very same foreigners do it by setting up companies, NO? The very same bad foreigners paying taxes, NO? while good, Thai loving Thai set up shops, paying no taxes at all.

 

Then the very same bad foreigners employ staff and pay social security, while Thai loving Thai hardly ever do that, unless really have to.

 

So who is damaging Thailand more? and who bring more to the table?

[SuwadeeS]

Always the bad foreigners to blame.

Get a life.

Check your local people.....

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

1 hour ago, george said:

So what can a Kitty do about it? I am currently working on "The people's Cannabis Act." with other cannabis groups, activists and advocates, as well as the general public to be submitted to parliament when it comes back in session. We are also hunting for 10,000+ signatures (Thais with Thai ID only) to then submit to the next Health Minister demanding that Cannabis are not place back on the Narcotic List.

 

I thought it was against forum rules to use forum posts to advocate for political change.

 

"23. You will not use ASEAN NOW as a platform to gather support to effect changes on religious, political, or governmental issues."

[BritManToo]

Thai cannabis is rubbish, I only smoke exotic hybrids. 

 

Thai growers are pretty rubbish too, I don't want to smoke anything grown by the locals. (until they know what they're doing) 

[Wuvu2]

OMG another ridiculous posts bashing foreigners over the Thai governments ineptitude  ???? 

 

The government legalized weed with just about zero regulation or enforcement. Sounds like the author over invested in the weed biz before a stable business environment takes shape. That's on her.

 

As soon as the legal dust settles the huge Thai farming conglomerates like CP will take over and control the market. Lets see what's left over for small Thai entrepreneurs then. Complaining about farangs is too easy. Have a look at your own politicians ???? 

 

 

[Jack Cook]

Well in response to this greedy fame seeking woman. I am married to a Thai lady and live in Thailand.

I saw the opportunity and have thus far invested almost 2 million dollars of my overseas money in legal fees and building a large commercial farm. 
The people who have benefitted from the investment money are. The Thai Government. Thai lawyers, local contractors, concrete suppliers and a myriad of others (all Thai). And also good paying jobs for locals.

This woman is essentially just talking attention seeking drivel because there are many better (legitimate and cheaper) shops than hers on Sukhumvit now, and the illegal imported stuff has dwindled to almost nil.
Maybe she should focus on better marketing and fairer prices than her greed inspired anti Farang fear mongering BS

 

[BritScot]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Why demonize foreign shop owners?

I understand promoting local production though.

Aren't most Thai shop owners simply profit seeking opportunists the same as the foreign?

Your POV comes off as toxic hyper nationalism, kind of like if xenophobic  Trump was Thai. 

Foreigners here have made Thailand their new home. Where is the respect for fellow human beings?

Just can't help it! So very sad. Loving your country and putting it first is what every person should do especially politicians and leaders. There is a word for people who do the opposit and it starts with "T" and ends in "r".

[marcusb]

18 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Thai cannabis is rubbish, I only smoke exotic hybrids. 

 

Thai growers are pretty rubbish too, I don't want to smoke anything grown by the locals. (until they know what they're doing) 

Geez Britman, make up your mind. On the cannabis forum you been preaching for months how brick weed is just as good or better than exotic.  You quite proudly stated you smoke the cheapest bud that gets you high.    

Actually you posted a few times with your opinion totally contradicting what you typed here today. 

 

I dont care what you think, but pick a side of the fence man. 

[Highlandman]

1 hour ago, NextG said:

Cannot say much for her perceived fluency in the English language either…

Plus she comes over as greedy and a bit of a narcissist..

 

 

Assuming she alone wrote that editorial without help and her husband is a farang, then her "lack of fluency" in the English language remark is rather odd. While it's possible her husband is fluent in Thai and they converse together in Thai, chances are he's not and they communicate in English and she even prefers it this way.

 

I agree that she sounds like a real piece of work, definitely a narcissist. 

[klauskunkel]

1 hour ago, george said:

Cannabis Brands from over the world eyed Thailand and came to stake thier claim to the new Asian market, spilling garbage about supporting the local industry while acting through nominees, and shipping our heritage strains back home to then sell back illegal imports to Thais that are paid minimum wage as farmhands. Many brands have the word Thai in their name but not a single Thai flower or owner can be seen.

I see. In a way similar to fabricating and selling those knockoff misspelled "Lois Vitton" bags that for decades and to this day thrive in Thai markets all over the country..., isn't it? Now, this example does not quite apply in that Copyright/Trademark Infringements and Intellectual Property Rights Infringements are prosecutable crimes - while (and correct me if I'm wrong) all the foreign owned cannabis stores are perfectly legal, otherwise just call the police.

 

1 hour ago, george said:

Call out to all those foreign owned cannabis stores who didn't contribution to the fight, and are just free-loading on the backs of those who are

Well now, this is basically saying that you all did the heavy lifting in getting pro-cannabis legislation and while doing that you missed to Safeguard, Trademark and Copyright your hard work, you were so narrowly focused on the legislation that you missed protecting your product. Whose fault is that?

 

 

[SeaBee]

1 hour ago, bamnutsak said:

Yes, some bad comes along with the good. AFAIK, her husband is Canadian, so the xenophobia is strange.

 

I think the desire to blame foreigners is simply a character flaw, not limited to Thai cannabis activists.

 

 

She's operating on the BKK/national market and I suspect she's talking more about major foreign companies like Cookies who did enter the Thai market with big foreign paws, indeed probably importing their own weed illegally from the US or somewhere (local production is just not here yet), than the local shop in Phuket owned by Falang Joe and Thai wife.

 

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/lifestyle/us-weed-giant-cookies-gets-opening-date-for-bangkok-store/