As Thailand's cannabis sector matures, GACP certification is emerging as a non-negotiable for farms hoping to tap into global export markets.
Since legalising medical cannabis in 2018 and decriminalising it in 2022, Thailand has positioned itself as a potential powerhouse in Asia’s cannabis economy. But as the initial hype cools and regulation tightens, producers are learning that not all cannabis is created equal—especially when it comes to international trade.
Enter GACP: Good Agricultural and Collection Practices.
In Thailand, GACP is now viewed as the baseline requirement for serious cannabis operators, particularly those eyeing exports to Europe, Australia, and other tightly regulated markets. For many, certification isn't just about compliance—it’s about credibility.
“Without GACP, you’re simply not in the conversation for medical cannabis exports,” says Dr. Suthasinee Jareepong, an agricultural standards consultant working with several Thai cannabis farms.
But while the standards provide a clear roadmap for quality cultivation, achieving GACP isn't without hurdles. Smaller farms, in particular, face resource constraints, limited training, and lack of clarity around certification pathways.
Industry insiders believe this challenge could drive consolidation.
“We’re already seeing farms pool resources or enter strategic partnerships to meet certification requirements,” says a Chiang Mai-based operator who recently gained GACP status. “Compliance is expensive, but the alternative is irrelevance.”
As Thailand inches closer to formal legislation around cannabis use and trade, GACP is fast becoming the de facto gatekeeper of quality. And for farms that can navigate the red tape, the reward is access to a growing, high-margin export market hungry for certified medical-grade cannabis.