Navigating Thailand’s medical cannabis market after the dramatic 2025 recriminalization?
Agential Cannabis 2026 arrives in Bangkok on September 23-24, marking the first major international cannabis expo in Thailand’s new medical-only era. Following the dramatic recriminalization of recreational use in June 2025, this BITEC-hosted event connects cultivators, technology providers, and compliance professionals navigating one of Asia’s most complex – and potentially lucrative – medicinal cannabis markets.
With GACP certification now mandatory and 214 GMP-certified facilities offering partnership potential, international operators can establish Thai operations or joint ventures that access a market projected to reach $7.1 billion by 2030.
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Thailand went from zero legal cannabis shops to 18,000+ in under three years – then reversed course entirely. This is the world’s most concentrated lesson in cannabis policy volatility.
The conference’s AI and technology focus reflects market maturation. Operators who survived the regulatory transition need automation, data analytics, and compliance technology to maintain profitability in a smaller, prescription-dependent market.
Agential Cannabis Bangkok 2026 at a Glance 🇹🇭
Dates
September 23-24, 2026
Location
BITEC Bangkok, Thailand
Expected Attendance
TBD (70,000 sqm venue capacity)
Official Website
agentialcannabis.com
Confirmed
Last verified: December 30, 2025
Bangkok
13.76°N 100.50°E
Who Should Attend Agential Cannabis Bangkok
Agential Cannabis targets decision-makers evaluating Thailand’s transformed cannabis market and the broader Asia-Pacific medicinal cannabis opportunity. If your organization is considering Thai market entry or regional expansion, this event delivers concentrated value.
Medical cannabis cultivators seeking Asia-Pacific expansion
Technology and AI solution providers
Genetics and breeding companies targeting Asian markets
Compliance professionals navigating GACP requirements
International executives evaluating Thai joint ventures
Researchers and policy advisors studying regulatory evolution
Why Agential Cannabis Bangkok Matters in 2026
Thailand’s cannabis industry underwent the most dramatic policy reversal in modern cannabis history. On June 26, 2025, recreational cannabis became illegal again – just three years after Thailand made history as Asia’s first nation to decriminalize. Over 18,000 cannabis shops had opened during the 2022-2025 “green rush,” and 70+ closed in Bangkok alone during the first month of enforcement.
This is the first major international cannabis expo in Thailand’s medical-only era. While previous Thai cannabis events celebrated the open market, Agential Cannabis 2026 addresses the reality of operating under prescription-only access. The Anutin factor adds uncertainty – the “Cannabis King” who championed 2022 decriminalization became Prime Minister in September 2025.
Thailand’s medical cannabis market is projected to reach $7.1 billion by 2030 with 33% CAGR, despite recriminalization – driven by the medical-only framework and GACP-certified exports.
Grand View Research, 2025Planning Your Agential Cannabis 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
- Book early – September is shoulder season but conference demand impacts availability
- Novotel Bangkok Bangna is adjacent to BITEC (walking distance)
- BTS-connected hotels on Sukhumvit line offer 30-40 minute commute
- Consider Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit or Marriott Marquis for CBD access
Schedule Overview
- Day 1 (Sep 23): Opening keynotes, regulatory landscape, tech showcases
- Day 2 (Sep 24): Sector tracks covering cultivation, compliance, genetics
- Both Days: Exhibition floor open, networking sessions
- Pre-schedule meetings with Thai partners and GACP consultants
Getting There
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is 15km east, 25-40 min to BITEC
- BTS Skytrain Bang Na Station offers direct access via Skywalk
- Most nationalities get visa-free 30-day entry
- Grab app works for taxis; avoid airport taxi queues
Business Cards Are Essential
- Thai business culture still values physical cards
- Bring company capability overviews in English
- Download LINE app – primary business messaging in Thailand
- Present cards with both hands, receive respectfully
Thailand Medical Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at Agential Cannabis Bangkok
- GACP Certification: Mandatory for all cultivation and export; only DTAM-issued certificates accepted (90-180 days to obtain)
- 51% Thai Ownership: Foreign companies must structure joint ventures with Thai majority partners
- Medical Prescription Only: Cannabis flowers classified as “controlled herb” requiring Thai doctor prescription
- Export Licensing: Thai FDA with DTAM approval required; GACP certification mandatory for customs clearance
Thailand remains the only Southeast Asian nation with legal medical cannabis cultivation, positioning it as the regional production hub for Asia-Pacific markets. Understanding DTAM requirements and the 51% ownership structure is essential for conference attendees.
Related: Understanding GACP Requirements for Cannabis Operations🔄 Thailand’s Cannabis Reversal: From Decriminalization to Medical-Only
Thailand’s cannabis journey represents the most dramatic policy reversal in modern cannabis history. Understanding this timeline is essential for any business considering Thai market entry at Agential Cannabis 2026.
Key Facts for Agential Cannabis Attendees
- ✓ June 2022 – Decriminalization: Thailand became Asia’s first nation to remove cannabis from Category 5 narcotics, sparking the “green rush”
- ✓ 18,000+ Shops Opened: Between 2022-2025, cannabis dispensaries proliferated nationwide – the fastest market expansion ever recorded
- ✓ June 26, 2025 – Recriminalization: Cannabis flowers designated “controlled herb” – recreational use banned, medical prescriptions required
- ✓ 70+ Bangkok Closures: Within the first month of enforcement, over 70 recreational-focused shops closed in Bangkok alone
- ✓ GACP Certification Mandatory: Only DTAM-issued certificates accepted; 90-180 days to obtain with 3-year validity
- ✓ Penalties: Recreational use carries up to 1 year imprisonment + 20,000 baht fine; public consumption: 25,000 baht or 3 months
- ✓ Anutin Returns as PM: September 2025 – the original “Cannabis King” became Prime Minister, generating industry optimism
💡 Did You Know?
Thailand went from zero legal cannabis shops to 18,000+ in under three years – then reversed course and recriminalized recreational use. This represents the fastest cannabis policy expansion and contraction in modern history.
What This Means for International Operators
The medical market is real and growing – $7.1 billion projected by 2030. GACP certification is non-negotiable for cultivation and export. The 51% Thai ownership requirement means foreign operators must structure joint ventures with local partners. GACP-certified Thai operations can target international medical markets including Australia, Germany, and the UK.
Regulatory Disclaimer: Thailand’s cannabis situation continues to evolve. Consult Thai legal counsel before investment decisions. Information reflects status as of December 2025.
Operational Challenges Facing Thai Cannabis Operators
Cannabis businesses expanding into Thailand’s medical market encounter operational complexities that require significant planning and system adaptation. Conference attendees frequently discuss these common challenges:
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GACP Certification Complexity
Obtaining DTAM-issued GACP certification takes 90-180 days with extensive documentation on seed traceability, pest management, harvest protocols, and quality testing
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Joint Venture Structuring
The 51% Thai ownership requirement under the Foreign Business Act means international operators must find and vet reliable Thai partners
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Business Model Pivot to Medical
Operators must restructure around prescription access, pharmaceutical-grade products, and clinic/pharmacy distribution channels
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Regulatory Uncertainty
With Anutin as PM and no unified Cannabis & Hemp Act, the regulatory landscape may shift again – requiring adaptable compliance systems
What to Prepare Before Agential Cannabis
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 overview and product portfolio
- GACP certification plans or existing certifications
- Thai market entry analysis and business case
- Medical cannabis product specifications
- International compliance documentation (EU-GMP, etc.)
- Joint venture term sheet templates
Questions to Ask
- What is the realistic timeline for GACP certification approval?
- Which Thai partners are actively seeking international JVs?
- How are existing operators adapting to prescription-only access?
- What is the current export licensing approval timeline?
- What strains and formats are Thai medical clinics requesting?
- How is enforcement being applied across different regions?
Meetings to Schedule
- DTAM representatives (if available through conference)
- Thai joint venture partners and investment advisors
- Legal firms specializing in foreign cannabis investment
- GACP certification consultants
- Existing Thai cannabis operators for market intelligence
- Technology vendors with Thai market experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Agential Cannabis Bangkok 2026.
Is recreational cannabis legal in Thailand in 2026?
No. As of June 26, 2025, recreational cannabis is fully prohibited. Cannabis flowers are classified as a “controlled herb,” and possession or use without a valid Thai medical prescription carries penalties of up to 1 year imprisonment and 20,000 baht fines.
What is GACP certification?
GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) certification is mandatory for all cannabis cultivation in Thailand. Only DTAM-issued certificates are accepted – third-party certifications are rejected. The process takes 90-180 days and covers seed traceability, pest management, and quality testing.
Can foreign companies operate cannabis businesses in Thailand?
Foreign companies cannot operate directly due to the 51% Thai ownership requirement. International operators must structure joint ventures with Thai partners who hold majority ownership under the Foreign Business Act.
What happened to Thailand’s cannabis shops?
Following June 2025 recriminalization, shops relying on recreational consumers faced immediate challenges. Over 70 shops closed in Bangkok during the first month. Shops that converted to prescription-only medical dispensaries can continue with proper licensing.
Is Agential Cannabis 2026 a B2B-only event?
Yes. Agential Cannabis targets senior executives, regulators, growers, researchers, and policymakers. The focus on medicinal cannabis, production technology, and AI applications creates a professional B2B environment.
How do I get to BITEC from the airport?
Suvarnabhumi Airport is 15km east of BITEC, approximately 25-40 minutes depending on traffic. The BTS Skytrain (Bang Na Station) offers direct access via Skywalk. Grab app is recommended for taxis to avoid airport taxi queues.
Software Solutions for Asia-Pacific Compliance
Cannabis operations expanding into Thai and Asia-Pacific markets increasingly rely on seed-to-sale platforms capable of generating GACP-compliant documentation and managing regulatory reporting across jurisdictions. These systems help operators maintain audit-ready records across cultivation, processing, and distribution activities.
Attendees at Agential Cannabis often evaluate technology solutions that can adapt to Thailand’s unique regulatory requirements while maintaining consistent operational workflows as the market continues to evolve.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how cannabis facilities in Asia-Pacific use GrowerIQ to manage seed-to-sale traceability and GACP-compliant documentation.
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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.