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		<title>The Gang Goes to Thailand: High Thaimes (Part 4)</title>
		<link>https://paradisefoundor.com/the-gang-goes-to-thailand-high-thaimes-part-4/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Mar 2023 03:06:34 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>After wrapping up at Tropicanna we headed back to the hotel to shower and change before the biggest night of our trip, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com/the-gang-goes-to-thailand-high-thaimes-part-4/">The Gang Goes to Thailand: High Thaimes (Part 4)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com">Paradise Found</a>.</p>
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<p>After wrapping up at Tropicanna we headed back to the hotel to shower and change before the biggest night of our trip, the culmination party at Phandee.</p>
<p>Now I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know what we were in for with this one. I had no idea what any of our reach was in this part of the world, and other than smoking weed with some Thai locals who happened to stop by the shop at that time, I didn’t have many expectations. I had seen a flyer a few days earlier, but honestly didn’t realize they really promoted it. I probably should have been better prepared, as this was a much bigger production than anticipated.</p>
<h2 id="the-party"><strong>The Party</strong></h2>
<p>When we arrived it was booming. All the seats were filled to capacity with most of the walking space taken up by standing circle seshes. There was a DJ. Several, actually. It was wild to see as by this point it was clear that tourists were toking, but not how many locals were deep into the culture already… and we were fashionably late to our own event.</p>
<p>As soon as we got there people started asking for pictures, which I was not expecting whatsoever. If you know me you know I don’t love taking pictures to begin with, but we felt like celebrities in a city on the other side of the world—I wasn’t about to be that asshole, and I loved every second of it this time. People from across the country came out to bring us samples of their homegrown—one of which even made it into <a href="https://hightimes.com/culture/jons-stone-cold-cop-list-32-thai-emeralds/">December’s Cop List</a>, which is tough even for Cali cats. Friends from Europe came. One kid spent most of the day on the train just to hang with us. And everyone we’d visited on the trip was there to send us off. It was a really special night. We’re just some random guys who celebrate our addictions, and here we are in Asia doing what we love with dozens of new friends. Life’s a trip, man. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="960" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295690" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=192%2C240&amp;ssl=1 192w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=80%2C100&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=1229%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1229w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=1638%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1638w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=380%2C475&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=800%2C1000&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=1160%2C1450&amp;ssl=1 1160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=64%2C80&amp;ssl=1 64w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=38%2C48&amp;ssl=1 38w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=760%2C950&amp;ssl=1 760w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=1600%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=160%2C200&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=384%2C480&amp;ssl=1 384w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?resize=1536%2C1920&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-21.jpg?w=2304&amp;ssl=1 2304w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some of our new friends! Shot by Derek Fukuhara, High Rise</figcaption></figure>
<h2 id="the-mythical-stick"><strong>The Mythical Stick</strong></h2>
<p>I think I mentioned this earlier, but throughout our trip we asked just about every dealer we saw about Thai sticks. All of them told us they were just folklore at this point, and we’d probably never see them again. Since Thailand’s War on Drugs was so serious, for the longest time even an association to the culture could get you locked up forever, and in the underground there is a real “If you know you know” kinda thing. We had started to believe it was a fool’s errand by this point, but a Thai stick is as classic as Thai weed gets, so we couldn’t stop asking. Imagine our surprise when at this culmination party I’m introduced to an elderly man with a big gold mylar bag.</p>
<p>Now, this guy was beaming before we got there, but even at his age he worked out what was going on and who we were before we did him. Although his family had to basically coerce him into coming to meet us, as he has never done any public press before, his enthusiasm for life was contagious. You could see his light from a mile away. His name was Han Singh, and it turned out, he was the guy we’d spent all week looking for. Han was one of the last remaining members of the original Thai stick family, and he’d basically come out of hiding for the first time to meet us. </p>
<p>I can’t properly express how special those first moments with Han were. He was smiling so big and kept hugging us and thanking us for being interested in what his family had done. It was surreal. Here we were searching the other side of the world for this guy, and he found US and seemed even more excited than we were. </p>
<p>I didn’t even realize initially the mylar had a Thai stick in it. By the time I had the stick out of the bag and in my hand all of us were crying happy tears, it was really magical. And while yes, I was very, very intoxicated, I can’t remember the last time I felt joy like that. It was like Jimi and I just found our long-lost grandpa.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="960" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295691" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=768%2C960&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=192%2C240&amp;ssl=1 192w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=80%2C100&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=1229%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1229w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=1638%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1638w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=380%2C475&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=800%2C1000&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=1160%2C1450&amp;ssl=1 1160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=64%2C80&amp;ssl=1 64w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=38%2C48&amp;ssl=1 38w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=760%2C950&amp;ssl=1 760w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=1600%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=160%2C200&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=384%2C480&amp;ssl=1 384w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?resize=1536%2C1920&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-14.jpg?w=2304&amp;ssl=1 2304w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Me, Han &amp; Jimi. Sorry for the weird light! Shot by Derek Fukuhara, High Rise</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="686" height="960" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=686%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295692" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=686%2C960&amp;ssl=1 686w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=171%2C240&amp;ssl=1 171w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=71%2C100&amp;ssl=1 71w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=768%2C1075&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=1097%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1097w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=1463%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1463w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=380%2C532&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=800%2C1120&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=1160%2C1624&amp;ssl=1 1160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=80%2C112&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=57%2C80&amp;ssl=1 57w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=34%2C48&amp;ssl=1 34w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=760%2C1064&amp;ssl=1 760w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=1600%2C2240&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=143%2C200&amp;ssl=1 143w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=343%2C480&amp;ssl=1 343w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=1536%2C2151&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?resize=1371%2C1920&amp;ssl=1 1371w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-20.jpg?w=2057&amp;ssl=1 2057w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 686px) 100vw, 686px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jimi with the Thai Stick. Shot by Derek Fukuhara, High Rise</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="960" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=1200%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295693" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=1200%2C960&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=300%2C240&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=100%2C80&amp;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=768%2C614&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=1536%2C1229&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=2048%2C1638&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=380%2C304&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=800%2C640&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=1160%2C928&amp;ssl=1 1160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=80%2C64&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=60%2C48&amp;ssl=1 60w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=760%2C608&amp;ssl=1 760w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=1600%2C1280&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=2320%2C1856&amp;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=200%2C160&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=600%2C480&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?resize=2400%2C1920&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-18.jpg?w=2880&amp;ssl=1 2880w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Enjoying the fruits of Jim’s labor. Shot by Derek Fukuhara, High Rise</figcaption></figure>
<p>We sat and talked with Han for hours as Jimi broke down and rolled up blunt after blunt of the stick Han had brought us. This dude smoked every single one with us, and pounded beers the whole time. It was incredible. I don’t want to blow up too much of what we talked about as I don’t know what the statute of limitations is like in Thailand, but it’s safe to say that this guy had seen far more work than most could ever imagine, and there’s much more to Thai sticks than just brick wrapped around a stick. Like, for example, did you know that the different colors of the thread used to wrap around the outside used to mean something? Back in the day, certain colors meant the sticks were dipped in… other substances popular in that region. Meaning like an E pill, if someone’s experience with Thai sticks wasn’t a great one, or was more intense than expected, the idea that their smoke was laced isn’t a far cry. Before long it was late and we’d missed most of the party talking in the corner with Han. We said our goodbyes and he called it a night.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="480" height="640" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=480%2C640&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295694" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?w=480&amp;ssl=1 480w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=180%2C240&amp;ssl=1 180w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=75%2C100&amp;ssl=1 75w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=380%2C507&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=80%2C107&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=60%2C80&amp;ssl=1 60w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=36%2C48&amp;ssl=1 36w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_1633-rotated.jpg?resize=360%2C480&amp;ssl=1 360w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Derek enjoying a Thai Stick filled blunt. Shot by Jon</figcaption></figure>
</div>
<h2 id="after-the-party"><strong>After the Party</strong></h2>
<p>After we wrapped at Phandee spirits were high, and although it was getting late and we were ripped we weren’t about to stop there. Some of our new friends, a group of Ukrainian women who recently fled their homes due to the war happening there, worked at a mega club nearby and said we had to check it out. Cue a few additional recreational substances and we were all game. It was called Space Plus, and to be frank, it was the most insane club experience I’ve ever had.</p>
<p>Where to even begin with this place? There were lasers everywhere, performers flailing around the room in costume, this like asian dubstep with an MC ad-libbing. There were at least eight jumbotrons complete with insane light rigs spread out above us across the room, and they were rising and falling with the music. They brought us to a table right in front of the stage to hang out with some people that turned out to be the headliners of the night. You could smoke cigarettes in the club, but you had to go out to the patio to smoke weed. Every walk of life you could imagine was represented at this place, and many of them were wearing gear that had words like ‘SEX’ or ‘DRUGS’ scrawled across them. Erin went to the bathroom and got forcibly massaged at the urinal. His back was cracked, mid-stream and all–-it was, like with many things in this country, insanely unexpected but weirdly thrilling. I imagine, I couldn’t stop laughing about that one enough to ask him.</p>
<p>I honestly had a great time at this place. Maybe it was the drugs, but we were all dancing to shit I would’ve listened to in college, and the people-watching was incredible. Eventually our table-mates took the stage, and one of those Chinese dragons with a bunch of people inside started going around the room. This is where that clip of someone pouring liquor from the stage into my mouth in High Rise’s doc came from. I don’t usually drink but what am I going to tell the guy on stage “None for me, thanks!” ? I’m at least incrementally more fun than that.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="960" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=720%2C960&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295695" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=720%2C960&amp;ssl=1 720w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=180%2C240&amp;ssl=1 180w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=75%2C100&amp;ssl=1 75w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=380%2C507&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=1160%2C1547&amp;ssl=1 1160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=80%2C107&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=60%2C80&amp;ssl=1 60w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=36%2C48&amp;ssl=1 36w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=2304%2C3072&amp;ssl=1 2304w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=760%2C1013&amp;ssl=1 760w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=1600%2C2133&amp;ssl=1 1600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=2320%2C3093&amp;ssl=1 2320w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=360%2C480&amp;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?resize=1440%2C1920&amp;ssl=1 1440w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?w=3024&amp;ssl=1 3024w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/THAILAND_PHOTO-05.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oliver &amp; Ron in Space Plus. Shot by Derek Fukuhara, High Rise</figcaption></figure>
<p>The craziest thing though was that this club wasn’t open that much longer after we arrived. We watched our new friends play a few more songs, and the lights just went on. It was extremely unexpected, as we were FUCKED by this point, and we had all sort of assumed we’d hang there all night. We had all taken a fair bit of uppers, and like, pretty recently, so we had hours more in us. Our hosts said they knew of a hip-hop bar nearby, so we headed there. About the same time I decided this was probably a good time to stop taking harder drugs for the night. I wanted to sleep before the sun came up.</p>
<h2 id="after-the-club"><strong>After the Club</strong></h2>
<p>So we get to this new bar, and it’s packed, but there’s a table right by the door reserved for us. I should mention, Jimi hasn’t stopped breaking down the Thai stick and rolling blunts all night. It’s not slowing us down much, so as soon as we get there the table’s taken over and Jimi’s at work. I realize it’s almost 11 a.m. back home, time for the <em>High Times</em> weekly company Zoom call. I take it from the club, because it seemed like a great idea at the time. They probably didn’t notice. </p>
<p>This place was open for maybe two more hours, but by the time they were closing and we were headed back to the hotel I was spent, and ready to lay down. We decided to smoke a few more blunts out in front of the hotel first just for good measure. Jimi went live on Instagram because it was a more reasonable hour back home, and honestly I blame that for reigniting my spark, because as we’re all going through all the drugs we received that night I jokingly pull out a bunch of mushrooms like it’s a good idea to eat them right now. Jimi called my bluff, and scoffed down 2 grams at 4:30 in the morning. I can’t remember much besides laughing from there. </p>
<p>When I got back to my room I fell asleep trying to jot down whatever I could remember.</p>
<h2 id="day-6"><strong>Day 6</strong></h2>
<p>I don’t know what time it was when I finally got out of bed, but it was too early. I didn’t even look at the clock, I just assumed I was already late so I got dressed, threw some water on my face, and headed down to find something to eat. Unfortunately that didn’t work out too well as breakfast was over, so we smoked a few blunts before heading to the pool. </p>
<p>I was up there in the sun for maybe 20 minutes before I couldn’t handle it anymore. I went back to bed.</p>
<p>At around 5 p.m. I tried waking up again. This time I could feel my legs, and the room wasn’t spinning quite as bad. I called the crew to see where everyone was, as I was for sure the only one still at the hotel now that the sun was setting. The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/highrisetv/">High Rise</a> gang had gone to get another round of massages, and Jimi was back over at Phandee, smoking and watching the World Cup. I called a cab that canceled at least three times but eventually I made it over to hang with Jim until the guys were ready. </p>
<p>After the crew had finished their massages we set out on our last dispensary tour.</p>
<h2 id="the-final-countdown"><strong>The Final Countdown</strong></h2>
<p>The first stop was the Zaza dispensary, which it goes without saying (but I will anyway) was our favorite shop name. This one was a bit more mobile and lowkey than the others we’d seen, operating out of what could have been an info kiosk. Only instead of local information (which honestly, they did provide too) these guys were serving heat. </p>
<p>We learned that this shop was operated by Guy Gee Gee, a notable rapper in Thailand, and his long-time friends. One of them was actually their plug back in the traditional market days who they became close with. These kids have been seeking out the best weed they could find for years, so it was no surprise their selection looked closest to the wares you’d find back home in California. It’s worth noting that in Thailand there’s no possession or sales limit yet, so these guys could sell us up to a pound if we wanted. Sure it cost $10,000 USD over there right now, but they had it if we needed it. We chopped it up with them for a while, got some good footage for High Rise’s archive, and drank some incredible mixed orange juice (different types of oranges, no alcohol) from the cart next door before heading out to find dinner.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="672" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=1200%2C672&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295696" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?w=1429&amp;ssl=1 1429w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=400%2C224&amp;ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=100%2C56&amp;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=768%2C430&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=380%2C213&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=800%2C448&amp;ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=1160%2C649&amp;ssl=1 1160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=80%2C46&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=760%2C425&amp;ssl=1 760w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/42BAD4B8-72A6-4451-9985-887FA7BE93F6.jpg?resize=200%2C112&amp;ssl=1 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" data-recalc-dims="1"></figure>
<p>This turned out to be a challenge once again, as it seems like that part of town shuts down with the setting sun, but our next stop was Khao San Road, which is the spot I’m probably most familiar with in Bangkok so I was more than geeked to get back out there. I don’t know if we even ended up eating, but before long we were in the van heading to our final dispensary, Green Head, which was located at one end of the Khao San night markets. </p>
<h2 id="khao-san-road"><strong>Khao San Road</strong></h2>
<p>Now Khao San is a major party street in Bangkok. There are countless vendors slinging everything from vape pens to alligator meat, and the shops behind most of the vendors have more expansive collections of each pop up. It’s also where they do a lot of recruiting for the ping pong shows, which anyone who hears you’re going to Thailand asks about. Everyone is consuming various substances, and a ton of bars all facing each other are using their sound systems to try and out-party their neighbors. It’s a real trip, and it’s loud. But the place had changed pretty drastically since I’d last seen it. Where there used to be pharmacies there were now dispensaries, and it seemed like they’d cleaned up a lot of the more predatory type vendors. It also seemed smaller, but I’m getting ahead of myself.</p>
<p>We pull up to Green Head, which is facing all the action, but just off the actual strip, and meet with their owner. He explains how they’ve been cultivating for years for the Thai government, and while they used to just take all their buds and disappear them, it has now afforded them privileges like selling concentrate and edibles, which is still banned to most establishments in the country unless they’re specifically considered a medical provider. He also tells us that while this shop is great, he’s got something else to show us, and leads us out onto Khao San.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="640" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=640%2C640&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295697" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=240%2C240&amp;ssl=1 240w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=100%2C100&amp;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=80%2C80&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=110%2C110&amp;ssl=1 110w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=380%2C380&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=48%2C48&amp;ssl=1 48w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=160%2C160&amp;ssl=1 160w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=220%2C220&amp;ssl=1 220w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FullSizeRender-2.jpg?resize=480%2C480&amp;ssl=1 480w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-recalc-dims="1"></figure>
<p>A couple hundred feet into the madness we get to the glowing green ‘Plantopia’ sign. Seeming like a hidden cannabis oasis, Plantopia opens down this bricked incline into a village of weed shops. I mentioned <a href="https://hightimes.com/culture/the-gang-goes-to-thailand-learning-the-thai-way-part-3/">Nana</a> in the last piece—well this was the Nana of weed. An entire strip mall dedicated almost entirely to cannabis and cannabis consumption—though there was a snack shop and a jewelry dealer in there, which I imagine were likely remnants of the center’s last life. Our new friend also had a shop in here, and this is where we conducted the majority of our interview in proper fashion—while consuming. I have mentioned a few times throughout this adventure how the Thai don’t seem to mind having direct competitors right next door, and that was especially true here, as just in the 30 minutes we hung out there I saw several groups shop at multiple stores before ultimately seshing together in the half-outside lounge area.</p>
<p>I should mention, we learned within that conversation that it only costs about $10-30K USD to set up a shop out there. That means with the right packs you could make that back the first day with what Zaza told us they were charging, especially if you sold a few P’s. </p>
<p>After spending some time in what I consider the best weed destination I’ve seen to date, we ventured further out onto the party street. It was incredibly loud, but they have incredible bootlegs and oddities for sale there, so we spent some time going booth to booth. I was surprised to see how many nicotine vape vendors there were, but they’re illegal in stores there so it’s not that weird if you think about it. The traditional market being traditional. After exploring some of the bar-filled alleys that protrude from the main road, we each got some harem pants and made our way back to the hotel. No ping pong show for us this time, but if you’re curious about what goes down at that sort of thing I’d encourage checking out High Rise’s podcast…</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="480" height="640" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=480%2C640&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295698" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?w=480&amp;ssl=1 480w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=180%2C240&amp;ssl=1 180w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=75%2C100&amp;ssl=1 75w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=380%2C507&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=80%2C107&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=60%2C80&amp;ssl=1 60w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=36%2C48&amp;ssl=1 36w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=150%2C200&amp;ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2868-rotated.jpg?resize=360%2C480&amp;ssl=1 360w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Considering checking out a show…</figcaption></figure>
</div>
<h2 id="day-7-mostly-airport"><strong>Day 7 (Mostly Airport)</strong></h2>
<p>Our final day was an early one, as we had to head to the airport around noon. We were due back in California for some events in NorCal, and we’d extended as far as we could without being late. In fact, we were due to arrive about an hour before the first event started.</p>
<p>Naturally I used the late departure time to sleep in. I skipped breakfast and although getting downstairs early enough to get a few blunts in, I probably could’ve used the nourishment. I ate a Klonopin instead. We didn’t realize until later we didn’t need to get to the airport so early in Thailand. </p>
<p>You see, once we arrived and went to check in for our flight, we were surprised (and frankly worried) to find no one working at the desk for China Air. No one showed up for another hour after we arrived, but fortunately a line was forming behind us so we weren’t alone. I will admit though I was chain-smoking, freaking out that the airline went out of business overnight or something. I decided it was probably a good idea to eat another Klonopin.</p>
<p>While we waited I did some writing. That’s where I started this piece actually, though it’s admittedly gotten away from me at this point. But it was at this moment that I realized that here we were in Thailand, afternoon on a Friday, getting ready for a nearly 20-hour flight that would take us to a party ALSO on Friday in San Francisco. I got tripped up in the time paradox for a solid 10 minutes.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="360" height="640" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=360%2C640&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295699" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?w=360&amp;ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=135%2C240&amp;ssl=1 135w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=56%2C100&amp;ssl=1 56w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=80%2C142&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=45%2C80&amp;ssl=1 45w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=27%2C48&amp;ssl=1 27w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=113%2C200&amp;ssl=1 113w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/28FC35B1-B0F5-484D-B718-6F1684477639.jpg?resize=270%2C480&amp;ssl=1 270w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" data-recalc-dims="1"></figure>
</div>
<p>After we got through security and customs we ventured around the actually incredible mall they call an airport. It was massive, and filled with art, and I was feeling <em>good</em> at this point. I remember eating some Korean fried chicken, and apparently I thought it was a good idea to buy scarves. To be fair they were nice, but it was SUPER hot over there. Like I said, I was feeling <em>good</em>. I remember getting on the first plane, but not really the layover in Taiwan.</p>
<p>Somehow when we landed back in California my phone said it was only two hours later. It was indeed still Friday, and we weren’t off the clock yet. We grabbed our bags, and headed immediately to Chronic Culture for a different adventure…</p>
<h2 id="final-thoughts"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h2>
<p>In case it hasn’t become abundantly clear by now, I think everyone should drop what they’re doing and go to Thailand immediately. While I would’ve probably told you the same thing if you asked me a few years ago, now that they’ve got accessible weed over there it’s a whole different—more fun and less scary—ball game. I don’t say that because Thailand was scary before, but their prohibition certainly was.</p>
<p>Now that Thailand’s legal, its industry feels similar to how Oklahoma felt when it went online. Or like New York does now. People are EXCITED, and while most of the world is currently seeing record-low prices per pound, the getting is still GREAT out there. I don’t think the rates will be sustainable given how cheap basically everything else is, but I imagine, like Vegas, there will be a tourist market, and a locals-only one. Being the Vegas/Amsterdam of Asia seems to be what they’re going for.</p>
<p>Now, I do want to clarify that like New York, it’s very clear that Thailand is excited about this industry and the economic benefits it can provide their community, but I wouldn’t be so fast to think that there’s a quick buck outsiders can make. Though I’m sure the import business will be solid for a while, I didn’t need to spend more than a day there to see how much Thai-original meant to this community. They’re actively hunting for their original landraces from seed around the world, and are championing their own players, rather than international elite. I’m sure there will be international brands entering the scene—as Cookies already has—but I imagine what will really pop off out there will be born there. I could be wrong though, it’s happened before!</p>
<p>Also, and in case I didn’t make this clear enough in the piece, Thailand is GORGEOUS. While we didn’t leave Bangkok this trip, the larger country offers everything from mountain to beach adventures, and the wildlife is incredible. For example, we didn’t see any elephants or monkeys this time, but that was one of my favorite parts last time. Seeing them in the wild and not a zoo is not an opportunity you’re afforded back home. I would also recommend going to Chiang Mai, Pai, and Koh Chang if you go—all places I’ve been that offer very different perspectives of life in Thailand, and spots I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to going back soon to see how much better they have all gotten with our favorite girl in tow!</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="480" src="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=640%2C480&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-295700" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=320%2C240&amp;ssl=1 320w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=100%2C75&amp;ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=200%2C150&amp;ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=260%2C195&amp;ssl=1 260w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=380%2C285&amp;ssl=1 380w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=80%2C60&amp;ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=64%2C48&amp;ssl=1 64w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=400%2C300&amp;ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_7925-rotated.jpg?resize=520%2C390&amp;ssl=1 520w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-recalc-dims="1"><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Included again for good measure, this was the gang!</figcaption></figure>
<p>If you want to check out High Rise’s documentary, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv7EMwG2Rr0">visit here</a>. It’s age restricted so it won’t let us embed.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://hightimes.com/culture/the-gang-goes-to-thailand-high-thaimes-part-4/">The Gang Goes to Thailand: High Thaimes (Part 4)</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://hightimes.com/">High Times</a>.</p>
</div>
<p>The post <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com/the-gang-goes-to-thailand-high-thaimes-part-4/">The Gang Goes to Thailand: High Thaimes (Part 4)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com">Paradise Found</a>.</p>
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		<title>Shining a Light on the Thailand Cannabis Community</title>
		<link>https://paradisefoundor.com/shining-a-light-on-the-thailand-cannabis-community/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jason]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2022 03:17:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activism]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Thailand hasn’t always prohibited cannabis; it’s part of the culture. Ganja plants were typically grown on the side of the house and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com/shining-a-light-on-the-thailand-cannabis-community/">Shining a Light on the Thailand Cannabis Community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com">Paradise Found</a>.</p>
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<p>Thailand hasn’t always prohibited cannabis; it’s part of the culture.</p>
<p>Ganja plants were typically grown on the side of the house and used in traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage. Even today, some grandparents cultivate a few plants and toss a couple of leaves in their Tom Yom (traditional Thai soup).</p>
<p>The U.S. illicit market fueled Thai Stick exports, which came from U.S. soldiers based in the Kingdom during the Vietnam War. At the time, there was no legal or moral taboo surrounding the plant in Thailand.</p>
<p>Then, during the 1980s, the United States’ War on Drugs pushed Thai legislators to change the law, burdening consumers and OGs (original ganjapreneurs) with the threat of severe penalties for cannabis smuggling, sales, production and consumption.</p>
<p>The Kingdom has made <a href="https://hightimes.com/news/thailand-may-expand-production-medical-cannabis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some progress</a> over the last few years. However, its emerging legal cannabis market is still in its beginning stages, characterized by confusing legislation, empty promises and false reporting about what’s allowed.</p>
<p>Still, somehow, the cannabis community is alive and well in Thailand.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="688" height="852" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286290" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM.png 688w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-194x240.png 194w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-81x100.png 81w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-380x471.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-80x99.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-65x80.png 65w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-39x48.png 39w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-162x200.png 162w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.21.49-PM-388x480.png 388w" sizes="(max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Chopaka</figcaption></figure>
<h2 id="chopaka">Chopaka</h2>
<p>Kitty Chopaka, a cannabis advocate who tirelessly contributes to the legalization efforts in the Kingdom of Thailand, opened <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chopaka.shop/?__tn__=%3C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chopaka</a>, a terpene-infused gummies shop based in Bangkok, Thailand. She’s one of the most knowledgeable people regarding Thailand’s legal cannabis status and works hard to educate those interested in learning the truth about the plant.</p>
<p>“The new market is interesting. Because we’re in Asia, many people are curious but don’t want to get high. They still want to experience it, and the terpene gummies are exactly what they needed,” Kitty explained. “These gummies give a light effect leading up to a high, so they’re not so scared to try it.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="722" height="626" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286291" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM.png 722w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-277x240.png 277w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-100x87.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-380x329.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-80x69.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-55x48.png 55w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-200x173.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.22.52-PM-554x480.png 554w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Chopaka</figcaption></figure>
<p>While there’s no weed involved, these sweet treats offer something unique to satisfy those new to cannabis and complement the consumption experience for long-time consumers.</p>
<p>“Lots of lady customers, surprisingly, come into the shop by themselves or with their girlfriends,” she said. “Some are hidden users; others are just looking to try it for the first time. They’re curious about terpenes and how they’re related to cannabis, especially after seeing the giant neon cannabis sign in the front window!”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="550" height="564" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286292" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM.png 550w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-234x240.png 234w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-98x100.png 98w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-380x390.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-80x82.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-78x80.png 78w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-47x48.png 47w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-195x200.png 195w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.23.52-PM-468x480.png 468w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Chopaka</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rather than using illegal, cannabis-derived terps, Chopaka uses artificial terpenes to create gummies that taste and smell like popular cannabis strains.</p>
<p>“Natural terpenes are challenging to use in the food industry. If we use them, they’re not stable,” Chopaka explained. “The shelf life is cut in half; they don’t hold up to the heat, and the taste and smell fluctuate. And in a massive market where weed is accessible for $300 a kilo, it doesn’t make sense to sell cannabis or cannabis products at the high price natural terpene products demand.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="624" height="582" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286293" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM.png 624w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-257x240.png 257w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-100x93.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-380x354.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-80x75.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-51x48.png 51w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-200x187.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.24.34-PM-515x480.png 515w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Chopaka</figcaption></figure>
<p>Since starting the operation in September 2021, Kitty has perfected her recipe and obtained the correct licensing and FDA approval. Within a few months, she opened her shop, and over the last four or five months, she has moved 200 kilograms shy of a ton of terpene-infused gummies, which has made her an inspirational success in Thailand’s cannabis community.</p>
<p>“This is but the beginning of cannabis in Thailand. Don’t forget, the U.S. has gone through this, and we’re going through it in our own way,” Chopaka said. “We’re doing similar things with legalization and are working with what’s allowed due to the regulatory limitations. But as soon as progress is made, all of the other guys within this community will have some interesting innovations ready to release.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="806" height="546" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286294" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM.png 806w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-354x240.png 354w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-100x68.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-768x520.png 768w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-380x257.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-800x542.png 800w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-80x54.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-71x48.png 71w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-760x515.png 760w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-200x135.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.25.05-PM-709x480.png 709w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px"><figcaption>Courtesy of OG Papers</figcaption></figure>
<h2 id="og-papers">OG Papers</h2>
<p>As a cannabis consumer in Thailand, Krit Choo saw that the rolling papers in the Kingdom were commercialized; the products were only sold in supermarkets and large corporate stores. He decided he wanted to change that by starting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ogstayhigh.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OG Papers</a>.</p>
<p>“I thought I could create a paper that’s comfortable to use and has more appealing packaging than what was available on the market at the time,” he explained. “So I started conducting research and made the first version of my papers.”</p>
<p>The papers are now made out of 100% hemp, but his first version was made from wood pulp. OG Papers changed the material to hemp in 2020, effectively leveling up the smoking experience.</p>
<p>Krit worked alone on OG Papers for two years before Pim Pirom noticed that the brand could be improved and requested to join the company, ultimately leading to its Siam-style rebranding in 2021.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="876" height="578" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286295" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM.png 876w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-364x240.png 364w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-100x66.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-768x507.png 768w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-380x251.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-800x528.png 800w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-80x53.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-73x48.png 73w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-760x501.png 760w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-200x132.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.26.19-PM-727x480.png 727w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px"><figcaption>Courtesy of OG Papers</figcaption></figure>
<p>The operation is entirely legal, and while these papers are obviously for cannabis consumers, there’s no law in Thailand prohibiting rolling papers.</p>
<p>“The law doesn’t impact our operations,” Pim explained. “Because we know deep down that everyone is smoking weed already, and the papers are normally used for weed, not tobacco. Most people who purchase our papers consume cannabis. But the regulations don’t make it difficult for us to continue making and distributing our products because we don’t say they’re for weed.”</p>
<p>OG Papers began its operations right before Thailand began to experience legislative progress. While recreational cannabis remains prohibited, fear is dissipating in the Kingdom’s cannabis community as interest in the plant flowers.</p>
<p>“It’s more popular than in the past,” Krit said. “Now, people can talk about weed in public without as much fear as before. In the past, it was more taboo.”</p>
<p>“I can see the difference in the news and regulations, but in everyday life, it doesn’t affect us at all,” Pim added. “Big brands are coming into the market, but this doesn’t change our operations. The legislative changes are more for the corporate levels than the small businesses.”</p>
<p>Besides changes at the consumer level, small businesses are connecting and collaborating with one another as the Kingdom’s legislative changes tend to lean more towards the large, corporate operations.</p>
<p>“Many small businesses are now coming together in the cannabis community,” Pim said. “More events are drawing them out than ever before, attracting small businesses that come out to share.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1256" height="862" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286298" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM.png 1256w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-350x240.png 350w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-100x69.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-768x527.png 768w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-380x261.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-800x549.png 800w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-1160x796.png 1160w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-80x55.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-70x48.png 70w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-760x522.png 760w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-200x137.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.19-PM-699x480.png 699w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1256px) 100vw, 1256px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Bloom</figcaption></figure>
<h2 id="bloom">Bloom</h2>
<p><a href="https://bloom.express/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloom</a> was conceived to solve one of the more significant issues in Thailand’s cannabis community: a portal to purchase quality, legal cannabis products. The Kingdom’s first “green rush” began in mid-2021, but most of the products were low-quality and gimmicky with poor branding.</p>
<p>“When we first started Bloom, it was even hard for us to find quality products to put on the website,” said John Williams, one of Bloom’s co-founders. “Quality companies were also having difficulty reaching the right audience.”</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="710" height="706" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286297" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM.png 710w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-241x240.png 241w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-100x100.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-80x80.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-110x110.png 110w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-380x378.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-48x48.png 48w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-160x160.png 160w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-220x220.png 220w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-200x200.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.27.27-PM-483x480.png 483w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 710px) 100vw, 710px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Bloom</figcaption></figure>
<p>The company created its own line of cannabis products and established a network of trusted vendors. It offers a gateway for these qualified vendors while serving the community with quality products, education on its website, and answering questions at three to four events monthly.</p>
<p>“Bloom has been fortunate to have opportunities that align with Thailand’s health community,” explained Williams. “We participate in community markets, health-conscious events, concerts, and this week, we’re running a Q&amp;A panel and workshop about women in cannabis.”</p>
<p>Thailand’s cannabis laws constantly evolve, but the rules are progressing towards full legalization over the last few years. With around 125 Thai local cannabis products that can be made in the Kingdom and certified easily, plenty of product options exist. The main issue is the FDA’s regulations for packaged items.</p>
<p>“Any store can buy cannabis leaves from a legal source and cook cannabis foods without a license,” Williams explained. “A series of new laws have been approved to allow THC in foods, too, which comes fully into effect around June. However, it must be under 0.2% total THC content.”</p>
<p>As a new company operating in Thailand, Bloom must be wary of the law. However, the company has forged strong connections with policymakers and receives inside information prior to most public announcements, allowing it to remain ahead of legislative changes.</p>
<p>Bloom also collaborates with other members of Thailand’s cannabis industry, including Golden Triangle Group, an industry leader for growth and extraction. The lead grower of this operation, Jamie Carrion, bred a nine-time Cannabis Cup-winning CBD strain, Cannatonic, into Thailand’s landrace strains to create the CBD-rich “Raksa” strain.</p>
<p>The company also focuses on forming collaborations with key industry players, cannabis influencers, politicians, doctors, clinics, celebrities and local law enforcement.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1262" height="844" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286299" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM.png 1262w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-359x240.png 359w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-100x67.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-768x514.png 768w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-380x254.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-800x535.png 800w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-1160x776.png 1160w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-80x54.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-72x48.png 72w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-760x508.png 760w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-200x134.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.28.47-PM-718x480.png 718w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1262px) 100vw, 1262px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Nudkinpuk Festival</figcaption></figure>
<h2 id="nudkinpuk-festival">Nudkinpuk Festival</h2>
<p>The word “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NUDKINPUK/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nudkinpuk</a>” is a southern Thai language pronounced “Nud Kin Puk.” “Nud” translates to skilled; “Kin” means to eat; and “Puk” means vegetable. Together, these three words could be used to describe a group of people who are experts at eating vegetables.</p>
<p>“It started with my friend and co-founder, Beer,” explained Nuttawat Attasawat (Nut), one of Nudkinpuk’s co-founders. “We started by making a bong-cleaning product called ‘Blue Magic.’ We saw the separation in Thailand’s cannabis industry, an ongoing battle between high-quality and compressed marijuana.”</p>
<p>The idea behind the event was to clear the stress and problems within the cannabis community participating in the “Green Party House” in the Lat Phrao area. It grew into an event as friendships formed between the old and new generations.</p>
<p>“I thought about creating an atmosphere where cannabis lovers could celebrate and party together,” said Nut. “Breaking the walls from within the cannabis community was when the Nudkinpuk festival started gaining traction.”</p>
<p>The first event was held on the Chao Phraya cruise ship. This cruise represented those in the cannabis community who are in the same boat, encouraging members to set out together in search of friendship through weed. But the taboo nature of cannabis has caused issues while planning more events.</p>
<p>“The second Nudkinpuk was to take place near a forest’s edge,” Nut said. “However, between the COVID-19 situation and the fact that the Nudkinpuk festival is a marijuana-centered event, the property canceled two weeks before the event!”</p>
<p>As Thailand’s budding cannabis consumer market materializes, its cannabis community continues to push for full legalization. For now, these business operators must adhere to the Kingdom’s restrictions and societal prejudices while maintaining a watchful eye on the country’s evolving legislation.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://hightimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM.png" alt="Thailand" class="wp-image-286300" width="700" height="471" srcset="https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM.png 1254w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-357x240.png 357w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-100x67.png 100w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-768x517.png 768w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-380x256.png 380w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-800x538.png 800w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-1160x781.png 1160w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-80x54.png 80w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-71x48.png 71w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-760x512.png 760w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-200x135.png 200w, https://3ncb884ou5e49t9eb3fpeur1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-30-at-11.29.44-PM-713x480.png 713w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px"><figcaption>Courtesy of Nudkinpuk Festival</figcaption></figure>
<p>The festival was rescheduled, but permission wasn’t granted when Beer went to see a new location. Instead, they had to dilute the concept to focus more on the camping in nature aspect of the festival rather than the cannabis and bands.</p>
<p>“On the concert side, we selected bands that talk about cannabis with love, such as Srirajah Rockers, JUU4E, Pae Arak, Swisawaard, Jahdub Stido and Srirajah Sound System,” Nut explained. “We also include guest speakers at the event, allowing festival-goers to hear inspiration from people who use cannabis to drive their lives. Some speakers include Ko Dam Koh Tao, Guide Highland, Oof Green Party and Beer Sukhumweed Industries.”</p>
<p>More than 20 brands participated in these events as well most notably Bong Party, Nippan Nirvana, Blue Magic Something Else, Highland, Thailand Green Party, Channel Weed Thailand, Treekings OG, Green Mile, New Atlantis, Pisit Thai &amp; China Tradition Clinic, Squidroll, OCB, OG Rolling Papers, Releaf Mint, King Kangaroo Kush, Mr. Herbman and others.</p>
<p>Nudkinpuk has had to overcome some legal hurdles. This mostly has to do with the taboo prohibition the Kingdom encourages.</p>
<p>“With the legal restrictions unclear, many people aren’t open to cannabis in Thailand yet,” explained Nut. “But the event isn’t directly affected because rather than focusing on cannabis literally, we use the symbolism of vegetables to represent marijuana. True marijuana lovers understand that the focus of this festival is to eat vegetables together.”</p>
<p>Like every active member of Thailand’s cannabis community, Nut and Beer would like to see the government become more open to hearing citizens’ opinions about the benefits of cannabis. They believe that the benefits in medicine, the local economy, and recreational consumption outweigh the prejudice from the older generation that banned weed outright in the Kingdom.</p>
<p>As legal cannabis makes more progress in Thailand, this unique community continues to expand as ganjapreneurs share and work together towards the change they desire.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://hightimes.com/news/shining-a-spotlight-on-the-thailand-cannabis-community/">Shining a Light on the Thailand Cannabis Community</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://hightimes.com/">High Times</a>.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com/shining-a-light-on-the-thailand-cannabis-community/">Shining a Light on the Thailand Cannabis Community</a> appeared first on <a href="https://paradisefoundor.com">Paradise Found</a>.</p>
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