Cannabis News

Mars Eatery&Art Opens Stylish New Café in Lamai with Unique Coffee Art

Mars Eatery&Art has opened in Lamai offering stylish coffee with engraved foam art and a menu featuring fried chicken and half Thai, half Italian dishes.

• •Mars Eatery&Art is a new stylish café in Lamai focusing on artistic coffee presentation with engraved foam designs
• •The menu highlights fried chicken and offers a creative half Thai, half Italian section for adventurous eaters
• •Prices are on the higher side, with a small coffee starting at 130 baht, and parking is currently unavailable

Rastafari Cannabis Rights Advance Across Caribbean Nations Amid Ongoing Challenges

Caribbean countries are steadily expanding legal protections for Rastafari cannabis use, but uneven enforcement and regulatory hurdles continue to pose challenges for practitioners across the region

• •Jamaica decriminalized cannabis in 2015 and allows Rastafarians to use and grow ganja for religious purposes
• •Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Bahamas have enacted laws for religious cannabis use, though enforcement and licensing remain contentious

by Ganja, Faith, and the Law: Rastafari Cannabis Policies Across the Globe, Explained

Thai Government Enforces Stricter Rules on Cannabis Shops in Phuket

Thai authorities in Phuket have cracked down on cannabis shops, finding many without renewed permits. Cannabis sales are now strictly limited to medical use, requiring prescriptions and licensed professional oversight

• •Over 500 cannabis shops in Phuket failed to renew their operating permits
• •Cannabis sales are restricted to medical use with mandatory prescriptions
• •Licensed dispensaries must have qualified medical staff or partnerships with clinics
• •Non-compliant businesses face license suspension and legal actions

by Thai government tightens regulations to restrict cannabis for medical uses

New Cruise Terminal Planned for Koh Samui to Boost Tourism by 2032

Authorities have approved plans to build a modern cruise terminal on Koh Samui costing over 12 billion baht.

• •The new cruise terminal project on Koh Samui is valued at 12.17 billion baht
• •It will accommodate up to 240 cruise ships and about 400,000 passengers annually
• •Government review is planned for 2027, with tender in 2028 and opening in 2032

Chiang Rai's Pagad Festival Revives Market Life Through Art

The Pagad Festival returns to Chiang Rai's Municipal Market 1 from July 24 to August 2, transforming the market into a living art museum with installations, street art, performances, and local food celebrating the region's culture

• •Pagad Festival runs July 24 to August 2 at Municipal Market 1 on Thanalai Road, Chiang Rai
• •Theme 'Playing With Things' features over 30 art installations by more than 40 local and visiting artists

by Pagad art festival returns to Chiang Rai

Wayne Rooney Joins eFootball World Festival in Bangkok This Sunday

The eFootball World Festival in Bangkok at Siam Paragon this Sunday features football legend Wayne Rooney, live gaming finals, and interactive activities for all ages.

• •The eFootball World Festival takes place this Sunday at Siam Paragon, Bangkok, from 10am to 8:30pm
• •Wayne Rooney and Thai football icon Kiatisuk 'Zico' Senamuang are special guests at the event
• •The festival features the eFootball Championship 2026 World Finals with live audience and global broadcast

by Wayne Rooney in BKK for eFootball World Festival

Travelers from Thailand face strict cannabis import rules in Hong Kong

Two travelers from Bangkok were arrested in Hong Kong for carrying 21 kilograms of cannabis in their luggage. Hong Kong Customs has increased enforcement on arrivals from Thailand, where export of cannabis remains controlled despite local legalization

• •Two passengers arriving from Bangkok via Manila were arrested in Hong Kong for carrying about 21 kg of cannabis
• •Hong Kong Customs has recently intercepted multiple cannabis smuggling attempts from Thailand
• •Importing cannabis into Hong Kong can lead to life imprisonment and heavy fines
• •Similar cannabis seizures have occurred in Taiwan involving travelers from Thailand

by Hong Kong arrests two arrivals from Bangkok over cannabis haul

Florida Hemp Businesses Face Uncertainty as Federal THC Ban Looms, Trump Calls for Congressional Action

Florida hemp businesses are facing a potential shutdown of most THC and CBD products in November due to a federal ban, while advocates and former President Trump push Congress for urgent reform

• •A federal ban on most hemp-derived THC and CBD products is set to take effect November 12
• •The new standard caps total THC at 0.4 mg per container, impacting about 95% of current products
• •President Donald Trump called on Congress to update the law to protect access to full-spectrum CBD products
• •Florida retailers and farmers say the uncertainty is already hurting business and planting decisions

by Marijuana Moment

DEA Rescheduling Hearing Sees Opposition Witnesses Undercut Prohibitionist Arguments on Cannabis

Opposition witnesses at the DEA’s cannabis rescheduling hearing contradicted key prohibitionist arguments, with one expert conceding cannabis could meet Schedule III criteria and law enforcement testimony undercutting crime claims

• •All non-government witnesses at the DEA hearing opposed rescheduling cannabis
• •Sheriff William Honsal testified that regulated markets aid law enforcement and most illicit cannabis comes from unlicensed growers
• •Harvard's Dr. Bertha Madras reportedly admitted cannabis meets Schedule III criteria

by Prohibitionists Packed the DEA Hearing to Keep Marijuana in Schedule I. Their Own Witnesses Made the Case for Schedule III.

THC/CBD Oil Reduces Dementia Agitation as CBD Labeling and Psychedelic Research Raise New Questions

A clinical study found THC/CBD oil can ease agitation in dementia patients, while new CBD labeling concerns and advances in psychedelic research raise important questions for consumers and clinicians

• •A clinical study found purified THC/CBD oil reduced agitation in dementia patients
• •Many hemp-derived CBD products do not match their label claims, raising quality control concerns
• •CBDA-rich cannabis extract may be more effective than purified CBDA for certain conditions

by pcbd-admin

Krabi Cat Leads Tourists to Buy Treats at Local Store

A grey tabby cat in Krabi has become an internet sensation by leading tourists into a convenience store to buy cat treats.

• •A grey tabby cat in Krabi guides foreign tourists to cat food in a convenience store
• •Videos from South Korean and Taiwanese visitors have gone viral on social media
• •The cat wears a red collar, indicating it has an owner, though the identity is unknown

by Foreign tourists fall for treat-seeking trap of Krabi cat

Radisson Resort Layan Phuket Opens Near Layan Beach and Sirinat Park

Radisson Resort Layan Phuket opens near Layan Beach and Sirinat National Park, blending modern tropical living with easy access to Phuket's top attractions.

• •Radisson Resort Layan Phuket offers 300 contemporary rooms near Layan Beach and Sirinat National Park
• •Located within 15 minutes of Laguna Phuket, Boat Avenue, and golf courses, with Phuket Airport 30 minutes away

by Radisson Resort Layan Phuket opens

Thailand Showcased Globally in The Challenge Season 42 on Paramount+

Season 42 of MTV's The Challenge showcases Thailand's vibrant cities and stunning coastlines, promoting the country as a top travel and filming destination.

• •The Challenge Season 42 was filmed across Bangkok, Pattaya, and Chon Buri in Thailand
• •The show premieres globally on Paramount+ on 5 August 2026
• •The collaboration supports Thailand's film-tourism strategy by showcasing its destinations and culture
• •The series highlights Thailand’s urban energy and coastal beauty through a popular reality TV format

by TAT Newsroom

US Military Maintains Cannabis Ban Despite Federal Rescheduling Shift

The US Department of War has reaffirmed its prohibition on cannabis use for service members, maintaining strict enforcement despite the federal government's recent move to reschedule marijuana

• •The Department of War issued a memo stating marijuana use and possession remain punishable for service members
• •Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) expressed hope for bipartisan legislation to prevent federal recriminalization of hemp THC products
• •Idaho's medical cannabis ballot initiative failed to qualify due to insufficient valid signatures, leading to a law enforcement referral
• •Virginia launched an online reporting system for violations of new recreational marijuana sales laws

by Tom Angell

VA Dental Intake Forms Prompt Concerns Over Cannabis Disclosure Impact on Veterans' Healthcare Records

Veterans' cannabis disclosures on VA dental intake forms are influencing medical records and care decisions beyond dentistry, raising questions about transparency and compliance with federal policy

• •Veterans reported that cannabis disclosures on VA dental intake forms influenced unrelated healthcare decisions
• •VAC found that dental intake forms often lack clarity on how cannabis information will be used in medical records
• •VA policy prohibits denying care solely for participating in state medical cannabis programs or disclosing use
• •Advocates urge the VA to improve transparency and require context-rich documentation for cannabis disclosures

by Marijuana Moment

Kuwaiti Tourists Question Pattaya Police Over Traffic Fine Payments

Kuwaiti tourists visiting Pattaya raised concerns about unofficial cash fines and receipt practices by local police, questioning the legitimacy of recent traffic ticket payments

• •Kuwaiti tourists reported being stopped multiple times for traffic violations in Pattaya and asked to pay fines in cash at secluded locations
• •Fines ranged from 3,500 to 5,000 baht, with an additional 500 baht requested for unofficial receipts
• •Receipts given resembled generic business documents and were later confirmed to be unofficial by some police officers

by Dodgy cash fines leave Kuwaiti tourists questioning Pattaya police

Cannabis Hidden on Flight from Phuket Seized at Indian Airport

Indian customs seized 1.5 kg of cannabis hidden under a passenger seat on a flight from Phuket to New Delhi on July 12.

• •1.5 kilograms of suspected hydroponic cannabis was seized at Indira Gandhi International Airport on July 12
• •The cannabis was hidden beneath a passenger seat on an Air India flight from Phuket to New Delhi
• •The passenger admitted to concealing the packages and was arrested under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
• •Similar cases of travelers attempting to export cannabis from Thailand have occurred recently in other countries

by Indian customs seize cannabis hidden on flight from Phuket

US Military Reaffirms Cannabis Ban Despite Federal Rescheduling

The Pentagon has clarified that marijuana use remains strictly prohibited for military personnel and civilian employees, regardless of recent federal moves to reschedule cannabis

• •The Department of War restated its prohibition on marijuana use for military service members and civilian employees
• •A memo dated July 9 emphasizes that violations are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice
• •Recent federal rescheduling of medical marijuana does not affect the military's zero-tolerance policy
• •FDA-approved cannabis formulations with valid prescriptions are exempt from the ban

by Tom Angell

Phuket Beaches Set for Restoration as Illegal Structures Face Demolition

Phuket's beaches will undergo restoration as authorities enforce court rulings to remove illegal structures and reclaim public land, with demolition orders issued for hotels and villas on disputed sites

• •Minister Suchart Chomklin announced enforcement of court rulings to reclaim Phuket's public beaches
• •Demolition notices have been issued to two large hotels occupying disputed land

by Phuket beaches to be 'restored'

Mary Jane Berlin Rekindles Cannabis Community Spirit Amid Germany’s Legalization Momentum

Mary Jane Berlin drew 80,000 attendees and reignited a sense of community and excitement in Germany’s cannabis industry, blending cultural celebration with pharmaceutical innovation and attracting global attention

• •Mary Jane Berlin drew an estimated 80,000 attendees, highlighting renewed excitement in the cannabis community
• •Event participants ranged from breeders and doctors to artists and major brands, reflecting global industry diversity

by ‘It Feels Like 2016 Again’: A Week in Germany Reminded the Weed Industry (and Berner) How to Have Fun

Explore the Rich Heritage of Thailand's Deep South with Siam Society

Siam Society is hosting a study trip to Pattani and Narathiwat from August 14-16, exploring the Deep South's rich cultural heritage and historical sites.

• •Siam Society organizes a cultural study trip to Pattani and Narathiwat from August 14-16
• •The trip explores the ancient kingdom of Langkasuka and the Patani Sultanate's heritage

by Visit the Deep South with Siam Society