Cannabis (กัญชา, gan-cha) is an emblem deeply woven into Thailand’s cultural identity. From the legendary Thai Stick method to its use in traditional herbal remedies, cannabis has thrived under our tropical skies ever since it was introduced from India over a millennium ago. The world truly took notice in the 1960s, when American GIs and curious travelers returned home with tales (and samples) of Thailand’s cannabis. This golden era quickly solidified the country’s reputation as a cannabis haven, with Thai strains gaining international acclaim for their smooth, euphoric effects. However, over the next few decades, this plant that once symbolized healing and relaxation was cast into the shadows. The global “War on Drugs” pushed Thailand to criminalize cannabis, and by the late 1970s, harsh legislation and stigma severed cannabis from everyday life, leading to the decline of our native landraces and the rise of the notorious “brick weed” era.
Today, Thailand is experiencing a green renaissance. Following the landmark 2022 decision to decriminalize cannabis, the nation has reclaimed its position on the global stage. But this journey—from the glory days of Thai Stick to prohibition and now rebirth—raises an important question: What happened to the original Thai cannabis strains from the glory days of the past?
Origins in Plant Medicine & Community Knowledge
First making its way from India around 2000 BCE, cannabis – or Ganja in both Thai and Hindi – quickly became an integral part of Thailand’s medicinal practices. Both cultures’ texts mention the plant’s use in traditional healing, solidifying its deep roots in this region. In Thailand, cannabis was woven into the fabric of life, where its applications ranged from spiritual practice to herbal remedies. The plant’s assimilation into Thai society was so profound that it earned a place in royal texts, such as King Narai the Great’s "Treatise on the Elements of King Narai" (1632), which recorded cannabis as an herb used for medicinal purposes. Local healers often used cannabis to treat a wide range of ailments, from pain relief to inflammation reduction. It was also an ingredient in formulas used to treat headaches, digestive problems, and fatigue.
During the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767), cannabis held cultural significance that extended beyond medicinal use. It influenced local customs and even social practices. In particular, the northeastern region of Isaan has a long history of households growing cannabis for cooking and seasoning. In dishes like boat noodles, cannabis can be added to the broth, where it can relax muscles, reduce stress, and increase appetite – essential benefits for an agricultural society where the days consist of long and physically taxing labor.
Today, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) continues to support the medicinal use of cannabis through herbal formulas approved for treating conditions like insomnia, muscle pain, and mental health issues. More than 200 traditional cannabis-based formulas are recorded, with five of the most prominent formulas still in practice today. This gentle, controlled approach ensures cannabis is used effectively, with small doses recommended to gradually improve health outcomes.
Rare and Resilient
Pure sativa landrace strains, like Thailand’s Thai and Mexico’s Acapulco Gold, are becoming a rare sight in today’s cannabis market. With hybridization dominating cultivation practices, the focus has shifted to breeding THC-packed strains that cater to the demand for higher highs. In the process, these once legendary sativas are fading into the background.
Thai landraces, cultivated in the unique climate and soil of Thailand, stand apart for their distinct features. These plants grow tall and slender, with narrow, elongated leaves that go against the “fat and sticky” buds that . Their long flowering cycles, lasting up to 14-16 weeks, reflect their native environment, where seasonal changes are minimal. The buds they produce are light and airy, nothing like the dense, sticky nuggets modern consumers expect. While this makes them less efficient for growers—yielding less and demanding specific conditions—it’s part of what makes them special.
Then there’s Acapulco Gold, the golden sativa from Mexico that became a global icon in the 60s and 70s. Its bright color, citrusy aroma, and uplifting effects earned it a legendary status. Like Thai cannabis, it wasn’t about extreme potency but a naturally balanced, therapeutic experience. Both Thai and Acapulco Gold usually contain moderate THC levels, around 10-15%, offering a more approachable and nuanced high compared to today’s overpowering hybrids which might leave you catatonic and couch locked. These strains remind us of a time when cannabis wasn’t just about strength but about connection, clarity, and a sense of well-being.
As hybrids take over, the importance of preserving these pure landrace strains becomes clearer. They’re not just relics of the past—they’re a reminder of cannabis’s roots and the diversity of experiences it has to offer.
Personal Experience
As someone who has experienced both the brick era and the rise of the Kush era, I can confidently say that pure landrace sativas remain a go-to for the most balanced experience. I can enjoy them after work, unwind, and still have the mental clarity and energy to go for a meal, a walk, or even light reading. In contrast, if I indulged in a 26% THC powerhouse like Rainbow Runtz, I’d be left with an incredible yet immobile few hours – better suited for winding down at the end of the day.
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