What makes World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok unique in 2026?
World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok 2026 brings together senior executives, cultivators, and compliance professionals on August 26-27, 2026, for high-impact B2B networking in Southeast Asia’s evolving medical cannabis market. With an 80/20 decision-maker ratio and approximately 200 attendees from 150+ companies, this curated business development environment targets executives evaluating Thailand market entry and regional APAC expansion.
Over a year after Thailand’s landmark June 2025 cannabis reversal, the market has stabilized around medical-only operations. Attendees encounter proven business models that survived the transition, established compliance pathways, and clarity on policy direction following “Cannabis King” Anutin Charnvirakul’s return as Prime Minister in September 2025.
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Thailand’s medical-only framework finally tells operators exactly what compliance looks like. Those who prepared for pharmaceutical-grade standards now have a clear path.
Whether you’re seeking GACP-certified production partners, evaluating track-and-trace technology for Thai reporting requirements, or exploring joint venture structures within the 51% Thai ownership mandate, World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok brings together the decision-makers shaping the future of Southeast Asian cannabis operations under one roof.
World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok 2026 at a Glance 🇹🇭
Dates August 26-27, 2026
Location TBD, Bangkok, Thailand
Expected Attendance ~200 attendees from ~150 companies (80/20 decision-maker ratio)
Official Website worldclassbusinessleaders.com/events/cb26as
Projected Last verified: 2026-01-05
Bangkok
13.76°N 100.50°E Who Should Attend World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok
World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok attracts senior executives and decision-makers across the medical cannabis supply chain who are evaluating Thailand market entry or seeking to optimize existing APAC operations.
Medical cannabis cultivators seeking Thai GMP-certified production partners
Processors and manufacturers accessing contract manufacturing in a $7.1B market
Compliance executives navigating GACP certification and DTAM requirements
Investors and fund managers evaluating Southeast Asian cannabis opportunities
Technology vendors serving track-and-trace and GACP documentation needs
Regulatory affairs professionals studying Thailand’s policy evolution
Why World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok Matters in 2026
On June 26, 2025, Thailand enacted one of the most significant cannabis policy reversals in modern history. Cannabis flowers were reclassified as a “controlled herb,” ending the recreational access that spawned 18,000+ cannabis shops during the 2022-2025 “green rush.” Enforcement was immediate: 70+ shop closures in Bangkok during the first month, with daily fines up to 25,000 baht for unlicensed operators.
By August 2026, the Thai market will have operated under this new framework for over a year. Attendees encounter proven business models that survived the transition, established compliance pathways, and clarity on policy direction. With 214 GMP-certified factories and a market projected to reach $7.1 billion by 2030, Thailand offers serious partnership opportunities for international operators.
Thailand reversed from Asia’s cannabis pioneer to medical-only in just three years, creating the most valuable regulatory case study in global cannabis policy.
Legal500 Analysis, 2025Planning Your World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
Accommodation
- Reserve 6-8 weeks in advance; August monsoon season offers better availability than high season
- Consider Sukhumvit, Silom/Sathorn, or Siam areas with BTS/MRT access
- Prioritize hotels near BTS Skytrain or MRT stations for easy venue access
- August is monsoon season – bring umbrella and waterproof bag for documents
Getting There
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) connects to central Bangkok via Airport Rail Link (30 minutes)
- Direct flights from all major Asian and international hubs
- Thailand offers visa-free entry for most countries attending business events (30-60 days)
- Grab app works throughout Bangkok for reliable transportation
If You’re Exhibiting
- Prepare Thai-language materials for maximum engagement
- Bring GACP/GMP documentation – partners will request immediately
- Pre-schedule meetings through the event platform
- 80/20 decision-maker ratio means time is at premium – prepare key talking points
Event Schedule
- Day 1 (Aug 26): Opening sessions, B2B matchmaking, networking reception
- Day 2 (Aug 27): Keynotes, breakout sessions, closing networking
- Register early through World Class Business Leaders for curated attendee access
- Allow buffer time – Bangkok traffic is unpredictable
Thailand’s Medical Cannabis Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok
- GACP Certification: Only DTAM-issued GACP certificates are accepted; third-party certifications are rejected. Plan for 90-180 day certification process
- THC Threshold: Products exceeding 0.2% THC are classified as narcotics under the updated framework
- 51% Thai Ownership: Foreign investment requires mandatory Thai majority ownership in joint ventures
- Export Licensing: GACP-certified operations with Thai FDA export approval can target international markets including Germany and Australia
Thailand’s cannabis compliance differs significantly from Western models. The emphasis on DTAM-issued GACP certification and monthly reporting requirements demands comprehensive documentation systems that many international operators find challenging to implement without local expertise.
Related: Cannabis Cultivation Software🇹🇭 Thailand’s Medical Cannabis Reversal: What You Need to Know
Thailand made global headlines by becoming Asia’s first country to decriminalize cannabis in June 2022. Just three years later, on June 26, 2025, the government enacted a dramatic policy reversal, reclassifying cannabis flowers as a “controlled herb” and restricting the market to medical-only operations. This regulatory journey offers unprecedented insights for operators worldwide.
Key Facts for World Class Cannabis APAC Attendees
- ✓ Asia’s First, Then First Reversal: Decriminalized June 2022, reversed to medical-only June 26, 2025
- ✓ Market Survived: Medical market projected to reach $7.54 billion by 2033 despite recreational ban
- ✓ Hemp Dominates: Hemp holds 61.9% market share versus marijuana, with oil products at 28.5%
- ✓ 214 GMP Factories: Thailand’s certified manufacturing infrastructure creates partnership opportunities
- ✓ DTAM-Only Certification: Third-party GACP certifications are rejected; only DTAM-issued certificates are valid
- ✓ No Unified Law Yet: Current regulations consist of fragmented ministerial directives; Cannabis & Hemp Act pending
- ✓ Export Pathway Exists: GACP-certified operations with Thai FDA approval can target EU-GMP markets
💡 Did You Know?
Thailand’s cannabis industry created an estimated 42.9 billion baht (~$1.2 billion) market during the 2022-2025 “green rush,” with over 18,000 shops opening before June 2025 recriminalization. Enforcement was immediate: 70+ shop closures in Bangkok during the first month, with daily fines up to 25,000 baht for unlicensed operators.
Actionable Implications for Attendees
Verify partners’ GACP certification status – only DTAM-issued certificates are valid. Factor 90-180 days for GACP certification into market entry schedules. Prepare for 51% Thai ownership requirement before partnership discussions. Products exceeding 0.2% THC are classified as narcotics under current law.
Disclaimer: Regulatory information reflects the framework as of January 2026. Engage qualified Thai legal counsel before making business decisions.
Operational Challenges Facing Thailand Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses expanding into Thai markets encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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GACP Certification Timeline
The 90-180 day DTAM certification process requires comprehensive documentation and facility preparation that many operators underestimate
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Joint Venture Structuring
Navigating 51% Thai ownership requirements while protecting intellectual property and operational control
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Monthly Reporting Requirements
Implementing track-and-trace systems that satisfy Thai FDA monthly reporting mandates
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Regulatory Uncertainty
Preparing for the pending Cannabis & Hemp Act while operating under current fragmented ministerial directives
What to Prepare Before World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok
Maximize your conference ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
📄 Documents to Bring
- Company capability deck emphasizing medical-grade and GMP credentials
- GACP certification status or roadmap documentation
- Product portfolio with THC/CBD percentages documented
- Export licensing history (if targeting international partnerships)
- Joint venture structuring preferences and ownership flexibility
- Thai-language executive summary (translated professionally)
❓ Questions to Ask Partners
- What is your current GACP certification status, and which DTAM office issued it?
- How have operations adapted since June 2025 recriminalization?
- What THC threshold do your products target?
- Do you hold export licenses, and for which destination markets?
- What is your standard joint venture structure for foreign partners?
- How do you handle monthly reporting requirements to Thai FDA?
📊 What to Compare
- GACP certification timelines across potential partners
- Joint venture ownership structures and IP protection terms
- Track-and-trace system capabilities and Thai compliance features
- Export market access (EU-GMP, Australia TGA, etc.)
- Production capacity and GMP certification status
- Local legal and regulatory advisory support quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok 2026.
Is World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok a B2B-only event?
Yes. The 80/20 decision-maker ratio and curated meeting format target business development rather than consumer education. Expect senior executives, not general attendees.
What is the registration process?
Registration typically opens 4-6 months before the event through the World Class Business Leaders website. Expect an application review process given the curated attendee profile.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Thailand offers visa-free entry for citizens of most countries attending business events. Standard exemptions allow 30-60 days depending on nationality. Check current requirements before travel.
Can I bring cannabis products into Thailand?
Absolutely not. Import without licensing triggers severe penalties including imprisonment. Thailand does not recognize foreign prescriptions for cannabis products.
What language is the event conducted in?
English is the primary business language at World Class Cannabis APAC. However, bringing Thai-language materials significantly increases partnership engagement.
How do I pre-schedule meetings?
World Class Business Leaders provides a matchmaking platform for registered attendees. The 80/20 decision-maker ratio means time is premium – schedule key meetings before arrival.
Software Solutions for Asia-Pacific Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into Thailand and the broader APAC region increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating GACP-compliant documentation and managing monthly regulatory reporting. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and export activities.
Attendees at World Class Cannabis APAC Bangkok often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to varying APAC regulatory requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows across multiple facilities and jurisdictions.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Asia-Pacific use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and GACP-compliant regulatory reporting.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.