Phuket to host 1st cannabis cup this Saturday | Coconuts

*Nine months after weed was decriminalized, popular tourist destination Phuket will light up this weekend with a cannabis event where the best buds will win. The Phuket Cannabis Cup will go down Saturday at a hotel on Kata Beach. Hosted by the Phuket Cannabis Association, the event will feature a…*

Published: 2026-03-14 17:56 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket is set to host its first-ever Cannabis Cup this Saturday, marking a milestone for the island’s rapidly evolving cannabis industry just nine months after the decriminalization of marijuana in Thailand. The event will take place at the Pamookkoo Hotel on Kata Beach from 10:30am to 6pm, drawing cannabis enthusiasts, industry experts, and curious visitors.

Organized by the Phuket Cannabis Association, the Cannabis Cup will showcase the best cannabis strains produced across Thailand. The competition will feature four categories: indoor hybrid, indoor sativa, indoor indica, and greenhouse strains. Judging will be conducted by a panel of eight prominent figures in the Thai cannabis community, including Highland founder Rattapon “Guide” Sanrak, Lex de Groot from Royal Queen Seed, and Aram “Uncle Dam” Limsakul, known for his advocacy of medical cannabis and his development of the KD Koh Tao Thai landrace strain.

According to Poonwarit Wangpattarawanich, president of the Phuket Cannabis Association, up to 50 weed farms are expected to participate in the event, highlighting the rapid growth of the local industry. Phuket now boasts approximately 1,200 licensed dispensaries, underlining the island’s status as a major hub for cannabis commerce in Thailand.

The event will not only focus on competition but also aim to foster knowledge sharing and industry standards. Attendees can look forward to panel discussions, a joint rolling race, and displays of cannabis buds from across the country. Live music will be provided by reggae and dub group Srirajah Rockers, along with performances by several DJs. Food and beverage vendors will also be on site, adding to the festival atmosphere.

Local residents and tourists alike are expected to benefit from the event, which is anticipated to boost tourism and provide economic opportunities for growers and dispensaries. The influx of visitors for the Cannabis Cup could also raise awareness about responsible cannabis use and the legal landscape in Thailand.

Tickets for the Phuket Cannabis Cup are priced at THB650 in advance and THB850 at the door. Organizers hope that this inaugural event will set a benchmark for future cannabis competitions in the region and help shape the industry’s development in Phuket.

With cannabis regulations in Thailand still evolving, industry stakeholders and government officials will be watching closely to assess the impact of the event. Further developments and potential policy updates may be influenced by the outcomes of Phuket’s first Cannabis Cup, making this a significant occasion for the island and the country.

Source: https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/phuket-to-host-1st-cannabis-cup-this-saturday/