Thai Cannabis Guardian KD Cultivates Landrace Legacy on Koh Tao
KD, a respected cultivator on Koh Tao, has spent decades preserving Thai landrace cannabis genetics and passing his legacy to the next generation, shaping both the local culture and the national cannabis landscape
Key Points
- 1KD has preserved Thai landrace cannabis genetics on Koh Tao for decades
- 2He built his collection through travel and exchange with growers in Nepal, India, and Jamaica
- 3KD Genetics is now managed by his son Kevin Limsakul and cultivator Daniel Dolch
- 4Traditional barter systems involving cannabis and fish continue on the island
- 5KD emphasizes ethical cultivation and sharing over profit, aiming to pass on both genetics and values
On the island of Koh Tao, Aram Limsakul—widely known as KD—has dedicated decades to preserving and sharing rare Thai landrace cannabis genetics, elevating the plant from commodity to cultural heritage. KD’s work, rooted in childhood memories of his grandmother tending cannabis alongside rice, has shaped him into one of Thailand’s most respected guardians of traditional strains. His approach is deeply personal and communal, viewing cannabis as a living inheritance rather than a simple agricultural product
KD’s journey as a cultivator began early, surrounded by family who openly grew and used cannabis before legal restrictions took hold. Reflecting on those formative years, KD recalls, “I remember the smell of cannabis plants. Actually, it’s something special for me at that time. So I never forget the smell of cannabis.” His travels through Nepal, India, and Jamaica allowed him to collect seeds and learn from local growers, building a unique genetic library that he continues to nurture on Koh Tao
The island itself has a storied relationship with cannabis, long predating the current wave of dispensaries. According to KD, fishermen relied on cannabis for stamina during long stretches at sea, and a barter system emerged where cannabis was traded for fresh fish. “Fisher boat come into the shore and then they come to our house and we trade, they bring fish, I get my cannabis,” KD explained. This tradition remains alive, reflecting the plant’s integral role in island life and local economy
KD Genetics, now operated by KD’s son Kevin Limsakul and cultivator Daniel Dolch, continues to blend traditional practices with modern business sensibilities. KD has stepped back into a mentor role, emphasizing the importance of intention over profit. “Don’t do it with greed, do it more with passion, with belief, with trust, with good karma. Don’t cheat. And cannabis will help this world,” he advises. The farm’s permaculture model, with cannabis growing alongside tropical fruits and herbs, highlights a holistic view of cultivation
Beyond cultivation, KD’s vision for cannabis is transformational. He has long produced cannabis oil for those suffering from cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain, maintaining a philosophy of sharing over commercial gain. “I never think about business on cannabis,” he said. “I always think this is the plant of the planet. So everyone should share actually.” As KD prepares to transition further into a life of mentorship and reflection, he hopes his legacy—of both genetics and values—will foster a more compassionate and peaceful world
From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, KD’s story stands as a testament to the enduring cultural and agricultural significance of landrace cannabis. As Thailand’s cannabis industry modernizes, the preservation and ethical sharing of traditional genetics will be crucial for both biodiversity and cultural identity. The generational handover at KD Genetics is emblematic of a wider shift in the global cannabis movement, where passion and stewardship may prove as vital as innovation and scale
