The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has approved 218 formulae for cannabis and hemp derived cosmetics, paving the way for their domestic production.

Acting Deputy Secretary-General of the TFDA Dr. Supattra Boonserm said Wednesday that more such formulae are expected to be approved this year, as many businesses have shown interest in producing cosmetics containing these ingredients.

She said that officials have been instructed to facilitate the registration of formula applications, which can be submitted electronically, and to complete them within three days, adding that the production of cannabis and hemp derived cosmetics will add more value to the plants and increase revenue for local communities.

Applications for export permits can also be submitted electronically and will be fast-tracked, she added.

Cannabis and hemp plants contain both non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive. Cannabis contains more THC and less CBD. Hemp contains more CBD and less THC.

In January this year, the Thai Ministry of Public Health officially legalised the use of low-THC cannabis and hemp in cosmetics. Fifteen kinds of cannabis and hemp ingredients are permitted for use in cosmetics, but only domestic companies can produce and sell cosmetics containing them, provided they meet maximum THC content limits.

According to the ministry’s regulations, the ingredients used in the production of cosmetics, such as the leaves, branches and extracts from seeds, must be supplied by local growers who have permission to cultivate cannabis or hemp for commercial use.