The progress of Thailand has been elevated to another level ever since the Thai government amended the cannabis laws intending to promote tourism and medical research and create economic opportunities for local farmers. The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 4 strains across the country for the Medical Plant Research Institute, which runs under the Department of Medical Sciences.

Get ready before I introduce you to the journey of premium cannabis selections cultivated here in the humid climate of Thailand.

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis has 3 main strains which are Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis.
• Sativa cannabis is a sun-loving plant that is tall with thin stems, its effects will make you more active due to its high THC content.
• Indica strains contain more CBD than THC meaning that it brings relaxation and sedation to users.
• Ruderalis, on the other hand, produces very small amounts of both THC and CBD.
• With a wide range of temperatures in Thailand but mostly warmth, it is a perfect place to grow cannabis.
• There are 4 government-approved strains grown in Thailand including Hang Suea Sakon Nakhon (TT1), Tanaosri Kankhao (WA1), Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan (ST1), and Tanaosri Kan Daeng (RD1).

The Main Cannabis Strains

Sativa

Sativa cannabis strain was first found in 1753 and its name was derived from the Latin language by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist. The strain grows well in hot and humid conditions such as in Mexico, Colombia, and Thailand. Sativa cannabis characteristics are usually tall to be able to absorb sunlight, thin stems, and long and finger-like leaves. The plant can grow to a height of 3 to 6 meters and typically takes a longer time than other species to mature. They are known to contain low CBD and high THC which are suitable for daytime use due to their potential to deliver energetic feelings – making you active, increasing focus, and relieving stress.

Indica

The Indica strain was found by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French military biologist, in 1785. The species is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey where the climate is arid and turbulent. The weather resulted in plants having short trunks with thick and wide fleshy leaves. They tend to grow and mature faster than Sativa strains and generally contain high CBD and low THC levels. Indica strains are well-known for increasing appetite and reducing pain, and nausea. The most suitable time to use Indica strains is nighttime due to its sedative and calming effects which become popular for those seeking to relieve insomnia.

Ruderalis

Ruderalis – which means rubble in Latin, was first found in 1924 by D.E. Janischewsky, a Russian botanist. This species has been recorded to be grown in the Siberian forest and some areas of the Himalayan mountains. They can also be found in the middle part of Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Ruderalis is a less well-known strain compared to other species due to its deficient active substances which is a result of the cold environment with little sunlight. The plant’s height usually does not exceed 12 inches and produces higher CBD than THC but in small amounts with no effects. Growers tend to mix Ruderalis with other strains to produce fast-growing plants.

Let’s Talk About Thai Climate: Why is it a paradise for cannabis growth?

Thailand typically experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, from 25°C to 35°C (about 77°F to 95°F). With mostly warm temperatures – rarely falls below 20°C – making it possible to grow cannabis year-round and this is the reason why Thailand is an ideal place for growing several cannabis strains. Thailand has more than just warmth, heavy rainfall is also part of the climate here, particularly during the monsoon season starting from June to October every year. This period of time brings humidity and moisture which can be challenging for some cannabis strains.

4 National Heritage Cannabis Strains in Thailand

There are 4 main government-approved Thai cannabis strains and they include 3 distinctive features: 

Feature 1: Cannabis that provides high THC

Hang Suea Sakon Nakhon (TT1)

Hang Suea Sakon Nakhon can be found everywhere in Thailand, especially in the northern part and the northern part of Thailand – in the area of Sakon Nakhon province. It is known for its robust growth with high potency from strong THC levels. This Thai landrace strain thrives in the tropical climate of Thailand making it a sought-after for outdoor cultivation. Its inflorescences are long which is reminiscent of a rudder and deliver a unique smell like orange peel and a slight pungent.

Tanaosri Kankhao (WA1)

Tanaosri Kankhao was found to spread in the Tanaosri mountain range – a continuous line from the Thanon Thong Chai mountain range which is a border between Thailand and the Union of Myanmar. Similarly to Hang Suea Sakon Nakhon (TT1), Tanaosri Kankhao (WA1) produces high THC content that delivers an orange peel aroma with a mix of lemongrass and a less pungent smell. 

Feature 2: Cannabis that provides both THC and CBD in equal amounts

Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan (ST1)

Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan, also known as Phu Phan Thai Stick, was founded in the area of the Phu Phan mountain range located in Sakon Nakhon and Kalasin provinces. It has a bunch of large bushy inflorescences reminiscent of a squirrel’s tail – or Hang Kra Rog in Thai. The strain produces a ripe mango aroma with no pungent smell.

Feature 3: Cannabis that provides high CBD 

Tanaosri Kan Daeng (RD1)

Tanaosri Kan Daeng, as you can guess from the name, was found spread in the Tanaosri mountain range and Thanon Thongchai mountain range which is the same area that found the Tanaosri Kankhao strain. It is tightly clustered at the end of the branch of inflorescences with its distinctive feature of red color on the branches stems creating a sweet smell similar to ripe fruits with no pungent smell.

Conclusion

There are three main cannabis strains including sativa which produces high THC, indica produces high CBD, and a lesser-known strain called Reduralis which provides only small amounts of both THC and CBD. Many cannabis strains grow well in Thailand due to its humid and warm climate and cannabis has gained more interest and is being studied after the change in cannabis laws. The Thai government has approved four main national heritage strains that are legally registered including Hang Suea Sakon Nakhon (TT1), Tanaosri Kankhao (WA1), Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan (ST1), and Tanaosri Kan Daeng (RD1).