Page 16 - Masala Lite Issue 168 December 2024

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People are worried about a government U-turn on
cannabis laws. Why are you so confident it won’t

affect the industry?
I believe “U-turn” is an overstatement. There are new
regulations that are being deliberated, and that is a
welcome change. There are regulations and standards
in every industry, including bars, restaurants, hotels,

etc. Why should cannabis be any different? I believe
that appropriate regulations can strengthen the
industry rather than harm it. Clear standards ensure
quality, safety and legitimacy, which build trust with

consumers and stakeholders. Instead of stifling the
cannabis industry, these regulations can help weed
Rehan Mehta, CEO of Thai Stick Co. Ltd., out bad actors, encourage innovation and create a
sustainable framework for growth. As long as we remain
has a bold vision for the future of Thai cannabis adaptable and proactive, I’m confident that the industry

will continue to thrive under any reasonable regulatory
BY AYUSH MADAN framework.
Is there still a stigma surrounding cannabis in the
Thai-Indian community and do you think it is shifting?

anja carries an enduring legacy in Thailand, How does your greenhouse grown cannabis differ There is certainly still a stigma surrounding cannabis, not
with the famed “Thai Stick” initially putting from indoor grown? just in the Thai-Indian community but in society at large.
the country on the map. Known for its I think there is a gradual shift that we have observed,
unmatched potency and quality, cannabis has always Natural sunlight that comes through the glass enhances which draws from the propagation of knowledge
thrived in our tropical climate and fertile soil. During terpene expression by providing a full light spectrum, about cannabis and its relationship with the human
the Vietnam War, American GI’s had a taste, quickly including UV rays, which stimulate terpene production. body. Having said that, scientists have barely started

spreading Thai cannabis’ reputation worldwide and It also introduces natural stressors like light fluctuations to scratch the surface of how we process cannabis. In
cementing its place in the 1960s counterculture. and temperature changes, encouraging plants to produce the early 90s, it was discovered that human bodies

more aromatic compounds. Indoor lights, while effective,
Yet, despite its celebrated past, cannabis in Thailand lack the full spectrum of sunlight, particularly UV-B contain an endocannabinoid system, which is integral
experienced significant setbacks. The first major rays that boost terpene production. They also provide to regulating numerous physiological processes such as
blow came in the 1930s when the plant – long used consistent, static conditions that don’t mimic the natural mood, appetite, pain and immune response. At the risk
in traditional Thai medicine – was banned under stressors that drive terpene synthesis. This often results of oversimplifying, this system processes cannabinoids

international pressure. Decades later, the global ‘War in less aromatic and complex terpene profiles compared (the active compounds from cannabis plants) like our

on Drugs’ intensified its suppression, with Thailand’s to sun-grown cannabis. stomach processes food. Imagine if the stomach was
1979 Narcotics Act designating cannabis and hemp as Now that Thai Stick Co. Ltd., has received both Thai only discovered 30 years ago. How limited would our
Category 5 illegal substances. Harsh penalties pushed it and International GACP certifications, what countries understanding of digestion and nutrition be? Similarly,

underground, severing its ties to daily life and clouding are you planning to export to first? the endocannabinoid system, identified relatively

its cultural significance with stigma and strict regulation. recently, is still poorly understood, and we are just

Australia and Germany are our top priorities. I have beginning to grasp its profound influence on human
Everything changed on 9 June 2022, when Thailand health. This underscores how much potential there is
had to overcome a deep-seated discomfort with flying

officially delisted cannabis and hemp plants from the to explore, especially in understanding how cannabis

to narrow down the right opportunities for Thai Stick
Narcotics Code. The move allowed cultivation, sale and interacts with this system to promote balance and
in each of these markets and I’m excited to say that
utilisation of the plant for medical and other approved well-being.
our first exports are right around the corner. Thailand

purposes, marking a historic milestone as Thailand
is widely recognised as an export powerhouse for rice Did you face any pushback from your family or

became the first Asian country to legalise cannabis.
and fruits such as durian. A large part of my mission is community when you decided to enter the cannabis

This transformation is driving significant economic to see cannabis added to that list. industry?
growth. The combined market for marijuana and
hemp in Thailand is projected to expand by about 15% Not as much as I thought I would, to be honest. Perhaps
annually up to 2025, as it is expected to reach THB 43 they are trying to be kind and just humouring me, but I

billion (approximately USD 1.2 billion), according to the find that even some of my oldest and most conservative
University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. This relatives keep an open mind and really listen to me when

boom has created new opportunities for growers, small I speak about cannabis and its potential benefits. Seeing
businesses and entrepreneurs. their willingness to learn more, and in my dad’s case,
experiment, gives me hope that society’s perspective
At the forefront of this green renaissance is Rehan on cannabis is genuinely shifting. It shows that even
Mehta, CEO of Thai Stick Co. Ltd., who wants to make those with deeply ingrained beliefs can reevaluate
Thailand and cannabis as synonymous as Switzerland and their stance when presented with knowledge and
wristwatches. Originally from Mumbai, Rehan has spent personal experiences. This openness, especially from
the past 11 years in Thailand, gaining diverse experience older generations, inspires me to keep advocating for
across industries under the GP Group’s umbrella. His cannabis, not just as a plant, but as a tool for healing
mission is clear: to elevate cannabis as a flagship Thai and connection. It reassures me that progress is possible,

export while reviving the country’s rich cannabis heritage. one conversation at a time.
Masala spoke to Rehan about his journey in the cannabis
industry, the state of Thai cannabis, and how he ensures Indians often drink alcohol socially, sometimes to
that Thai Stick’s cultivars stand out from the pack. excess, yet many still look down on cannabis use.
Why do you think this double standard exists, and
What inspired you to venture into the cannabis how can it be addressed?
business, especially in Thailand?
Let me start by saying that rarely, if ever, have I turned
Cannabis has a long history with the people of this down a beer. I enjoy drinking alcohol as much as the next
region, spanning from India to Thailand and beyond. It guy. However, let’s be realistic – even if we debate the
feels as if there is an amnesia, and we have forgotten levels of cannabis use and the methods that are considered
that cannabis played various roles in our cultures for therapeutic/medical, there is no therapeutic/medical beer,
hundreds of years. Before regulations clamped down its Da Funk (First Class Funk x White Runtz) whiskey, rum or wine. While we are happy to serve these
use relatively recently, cannabis was part of traditional things at our celebrations, we turn our backs on cannabis
medicines, cultural celebrations, and therapeutic THC 19%, Citrusy and Floral as if it has no place in society. Yet, cannabis has been used
practices, woven into the daily lives of communities. for centuries not only in traditional medicines but also to
It was widely recognised for its ability to heal, soothe relax, heal, and connect. Unlike alcohol, cannabis offers

and bring people together. Its sudden vilification in Ultra Mango Haze therapeutic benefits that are scientifically backed, from

the modern era disrupted this legacy, creating a gap in THC: 16% managing chronic pain to reducing anxiety and promoting
cultural memory and depriving societies of its potential better sleep. It’s time to question why we so readily accept

benefits. My biggest motivator is to see cannabis one day Tropical and Fruity one intoxicant that harms while stigmatising another that
overcome this stigma. Now, as the world begins to revisit holds such potential for good. I don’t expect everyone
and re-evaluate the role of cannabis, the Thai regulatory Velvet Moon to suddenly become advocates for my cause, but it’s my
landscape has provided us an opportunity not only to sincere request that if any of your esteemed readers have
embrace its medicinal and economic potential but also THC: 20% any questions or concerns, they reach out to me so that I
to reconnect with its deep cultural roots, honouring the Sweet and Earthy can help shed some light for them or they can show me
wisdom of those who came before us. if I’m on the wrong path.