Whether for its white-sand beaches, spicy cuisine, or ancient temples, Thailand has long been a popular destination among international travelers. More recently, tourists have been flocking there for another reason: to enjoy cannabis.
Thailand became the first Asian country to decriminalize recreational cannabis in June 2022. While cannabis policies go largely unenforced, the growing retail market has generated an estimated $1.2 billion and is set to nearly triple in size within the next five years. Decriminalization has had a profound impact on the nation’s hospitality industry, with bars in every city hawking pre-rolled joints alongside buckets of mixed drinks, and restaurants serving cannabis-infused food and cocktails to guests looking for a different kind of buzz.
The change in policy has come at an important time for businesses struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, while creating a new opportunity for Thai people who for years have been keeping their appreciation for cannabis under wraps.
– Read the entire article at Forbes.
