“A lot of the cannabis producers in Thailand grow indoors. Our approach is different. We’re in the tropics, where the sun’s intensity is high. We believe that it is a shame not to make use of that,” says Thomas Ruiter, Co-Founder of Canngrow. Together with his business partner, Menno Keppel, they have already established a presence in Thailand through their company, Agri Solutions Asia, which supplies technology for the greenhouse industry in Southeast Asia. “For years, we’ve been building greenhouse projects here. When medical cannabis was introduced in Thailand, we saw a great new opportunity in the market. We wanted to set up a greenhouse to demonstrate the systems that we can offer cannabis growers.”
Cannabis, as a new crop in Thailand, presents unique challenges, and Ruiter recognizes the gaps in technical cultivation knowledge. “With all the challenges growers already face here—humidity, temperatures, and seasons with too little light—we want to extend our knowledge and help them improve their production.”
Greenhouse vs. Indoor Production
While Canngrow was in the process of obtaining its medical license and constructing its greenhouse, the recreational market opened up. In addition to cultivating CBD strains, they decided to branch into THC varieties. “We’re currently growing nine different strains. Yet trying to sell our products is challenging at the moment; the market is quite saturated.”
By cultivating cannabis in a greenhouse, Canngrow sets itself apart from many competitors who opt for indoor growing methods. Thomas explains, “A lot of the Thai production is grown indoors, which involves relatively high operating costs. For example, cooling the facility and constantly using artificial lighting can add up.” In contrast, Canngrow harnesses the abundant sunshine available, using it to their advantage. “If that’s not enough, then we supplement with lights, enabling us to supply a good quality product at a competitive price.”
However, greenhouse production in Thailand’s tropical, humid climate is not without its unique challenges. “We don’t fully control the climate in our greenhouse,” Thomas explains. “Our goal is to keep production accessible to Thai farmers who may not have the means to invest in advanced techniques. We want to show them that growing cannabis in a greenhouse is entirely feasible, even adapting to local weather through blackout screens, lights, and biological control.”
Canngrow has already attracted interest in its products and cultivation systems. “A year ago, cannabis prices were so high that pretty much any producer could be profitable. Now, as prices normalize, many Thai growers are struggling to remain viable. Those who can adapt and produce efficiently are the ones who will thrive. This creates a clear demand for effective cultivation systems, including efficient irrigation and climate control,” Thomas shares.
The outlook for greenhouse production in Thailand is optimistic. “In the long term, we expect many growers to follow our lead. Keeping production costs low is critical, especially in indoor settings, which can be expensive to maintain. We aim to show other growers that it’s possible to produce high-quality cannabis at an accessible price.”
The Thai Cannabis Market
The landscape of the cannabis market in Thailand remains in a state of flux, lacking comprehensive regulation. “We would highly encourage stricter regulations to ensure compliance and oversight. Unfortunately, that’s not currently happening. Many products don’t meet established standards, and there’s a lack of monitoring,” Thomas explains. He highlights concerns such as the absence of a track-and-trace system and the inability to enforce lab testing, meaning the THC percentages advertised in dispensaries can be questionable.
Canngrow is committed to partnering with reputable vendors who prioritize quality. “Currently, the market is a survival of the fittest. As regulations tighten, many companies that cannot adapt or provide quality products will not survive. While this is unfortunate on a personal level, it would ultimately be beneficial for the industry as a whole.”
For more information about Canngrow and their innovative approaches to cannabis cultivation, check out Agri Solutions Asia. Explore their contributions to enhancing agricultural practices in Thailand’s budding cannabis sector.