What is GACP?
Good Agricultural and Collection Practices ensure medicinal plants are cultivated, collected, and handled with consistent quality, safety, and traceability standards.
Cultivation & Collection
Covers mother stock management, propagation, cultivation practices, harvest procedures, and post-harvest activities including trimming, drying, curing, and primary packaging.
Quality Assurance
Delivers traceable, contaminant-controlled raw material suitable for medicinal use, ensuring consistent quality and patient safety through documented processes.
Supply Chain Integration
Seamlessly interfaces with upstream seed/clone management and downstream GMP processing, distribution, and retail compliance requirements.
Thailand Regulatory Framework
Cannabis operations in Thailand are regulated by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) under the Ministry of Public Health, with specific Thailand Cannabis GACP standards established for medical cannabis cultivation.
DTAM Oversight
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (กรมการแพทย์แผนไทยและการแพทย์ทางเลือก) is the primary regulatory body responsible for Thailand Cannabis GACP certification. All cultivation facilities must obtain GACP certification from DTAM to ensure medical-grade quality standards.
Certification Process
The certification process involves initial application review, facility inspection by DTAM committee, annual compliance audits, and special inspections when required. Facilities must maintain continuous compliance with 14 major requirement categories covering all aspects of cultivation and primary processing.
Scope & Applications
Thailand Cannabis GACP applies to medicinal cannabis cultivation, harvesting, and primary processing operations. Covers outdoor cultivation, greenhouse systems, and indoor controlled environments. Separate permits required for export activities and collaboration with licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Official Authority: Thailand Cannabis GACP certification is exclusively issued by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Public Health. Certification ensures compliance with medical-grade cultivation standards for safe therapeutic use.
Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) and consult with qualified legal counsel for compliance guidance.
14 Major Requirements — Thailand Cannabis GACP
Comprehensive overview of the 14 major requirement categories established by DTAM that form the foundation of Thailand Cannabis GACP compliance for medicinal cannabis operations.
Quality Assurance
Production control measures at every stage to ensure quality and safety products that meet trading partner requirements. Comprehensive quality management systems throughout the cultivation cycle.
Personal Hygiene
Worker knowledge of cannabis botany, production factors, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and storage. Proper personal hygiene protocols, protective equipment usage, health monitoring, and training requirements.
Documentation System
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all processes, continuous activity recording, input tracking, environmental monitoring, traceability systems, and 5-year record retention requirements.
Equipment Management
Clean, contamination-free equipment and containers. Corrosion-resistant, non-toxic materials that don't affect cannabis quality. Annual calibration and maintenance programs for precision instruments.
Cultivation Site
Soil and growing media free from heavy metals, chemical residues, and harmful microorganisms. Pre-cultivation testing for toxic residues and heavy metals. Contamination prevention measures.
Water Management
Water quality testing before cultivation for toxic residues and heavy metals. Appropriate irrigation methods for environmental conditions and plant needs. Prohibition of treated wastewater usage.
Fertilizer Control
Legally registered fertilizers appropriate for cannabis needs. Proper fertilizer management to prevent contamination. Complete composting of organic fertilizers. Prohibition of human waste as fertilizer.
Seeds & Propagation
High-quality, pest-free seeds and propagation materials true to variety specification. Traceable source documentation. Contamination prevention measures for different varieties during production.
Cultivation Practices
Production controls that don't compromise safety, environment, health, or community. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems. Organic substances and biological products only for pest control.
Harvesting Procedures
Optimal timing for maximum quality plant parts. Appropriate weather conditions, avoiding dew, rain, or high humidity. Quality inspection and removal of substandard material.
Primary Processing
Immediate processing to prevent degradation from high temperature and microbial contamination. Proper drying procedures for cannabis. Continuous quality monitoring and foreign matter removal.
Processing Facilities
Durable, easy-to-clean, and sanitize buildings from non-toxic materials. Temperature and humidity control. Adequate lighting with protective covers. Hand washing and clothing change facilities.
Packaging & Labeling
Rapid appropriate packaging to prevent deterioration from light, temperature, humidity, and contamination. Clear labeling with scientific name, plant part, origin, producer, batch number, dates, and quantities.
Storage & Distribution
Clean transport equipment protecting from light, temperature, humidity, and contamination. Dry storage with good ventilation. Clean storage rooms with environmental controls and contamination prevention.
Testing & Quality Control Requirements
Mandatory testing protocols and quality control measures for Thailand Cannabis GACP compliance, including pre-cultivation testing and batch analysis requirements.
Pre-Cultivation Testing
Mandatory soil and water analysis before cultivation begins. Testing for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic), toxic residues, and microbial contamination. Results must demonstrate suitability for medicinal cannabis cultivation and be conducted at least once before planting.
Batch Testing Requirements
Every cultivation batch must undergo testing for cannabinoid content (CBD, THC), contamination screening (pesticides, heavy metals, microorganisms), and moisture content. Testing required for each crop cycle and must be performed by Department of Medical Sciences or approved laboratories.
Approved Laboratories
Testing must be conducted at Department of Medical Sciences or other laboratories certified by Thai authorities. Laboratories must maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and demonstrate competency in cannabis analysis according to Thai pharmacopoeia standards.
Record Retention Requirements
All testing records and certificates of analysis must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years. Documentation must include sampling procedures, chain of custody records, laboratory reports, and any corrective actions taken based on test results. These records are subject to DTAM inspection.
Testing Frequency: Pre-cultivation testing is required at least once before cultivation begins. Batch testing must be performed for every crop cycle. Additional testing may be required if contamination risks are identified or if requested by DTAM during inspections.
Security & Facility Requirements
Comprehensive security measures, facility specifications, and infrastructure requirements mandated by DTAM for Thailand Cannabis GACP certification.
Security Infrastructure
4-sided perimeter fencing with appropriate height, anti-climbing barriers with barbed wire, secured entry gates with controlled access, biometric fingerprint scanners for facility entry, automatic door closing mechanisms, and 24/7 security monitoring systems.
CCTV Surveillance
Comprehensive CCTV coverage including entry/exit points, perimeter monitoring, internal cultivation areas, storage facilities, and processing zones. Continuous recording capabilities with proper data retention and backup systems.
Facility Specifications
Greenhouse dimensions and layout plans, internal zoning for cultivation, processing, changing rooms, nursery areas, and hand washing stations. Proper ventilation, lighting protection, and contamination control measures.
Required Signage Standards
Mandatory Display: "สถานที่ผลิต (ปลูก) กัญชาทางการแพทย์มาตรฐาน GACP" or "สถานที่แปรรูปกัญชาทางการแพทย์มาตรฐาน GACP"
Specifications: 20cm wide × 120cm long, 6cm character height, prominently displayed at facility entrance
Thailand Cannabis GACP Certification Process
Step-by-step process for obtaining Thailand Cannabis GACP certification from DTAM, including application requirements, inspection procedures, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Application Preparation
Download official documents from DTAM website including application forms, SOP templates, and GACP standards. Prepare required documents such as land ownership proof, facility plans, security measures, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Document Submission & Review
Submit complete application package via postal mail or email to DTAM. Initial document review by DTAM staff takes approximately 30 days. Additional documents may be requested if application is incomplete.
Facility Inspection
DTAM committee conducts on-site inspection covering facility assessment, process evaluation, documentation review, staff interviews, and traceability system verification. Inspection covers all 14 major requirement categories.
Compliance Assessment
DTAM evaluates inspection findings and may require corrective actions before certification. Conditional approval may be granted with specific timelines for improvements. Final certification decision within 30 days of inspection.
Ongoing Compliance
Annual compliance audits required to maintain certification. Special inspections may occur based on complaints or expansion requests. Continuous compliance with all 14 major requirements mandatory for certification retention.
Inspection Types
Total certification timeline: 3-6 months from application submission to final approval
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GACP implementation, compliance requirements, and operational considerations for cannabis businesses in Thailand.
Who is eligible to apply for Thailand Cannabis GACP certification?
Community enterprises, individuals, legal entities (companies), and agricultural cooperatives can apply. Applicants must have proper land ownership or usage rights, appropriate facilities, and operate under collaboration with licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers or traditional medicine practitioners as required by Thai law.
What are the main cultivation types covered under Thailand Cannabis GACP?
Thailand Cannabis GACP covers three main cultivation types: outdoor cultivation (กลางแจ้ง), greenhouse cultivation (โรงเรือนทั่วไป), and indoor controlled environment cultivation (ระบบปิด). Each type has specific requirements for environmental control, security measures, and documentation.
What documentation must be maintained for DTAM compliance?
Operators must maintain continuous records including: purchase and use of production inputs, cultivation activity logs, sales records, land use history (minimum 2 years), pest management records, SOP documentation, batch/lot traceability, and all inspection reports. Records must be kept for at least 5 years.
What are the key security requirements for cannabis cultivation facilities?
Facilities must have 4-sided perimeter fencing with appropriate height, CCTV surveillance systems covering all entry points and cultivation areas, biometric access control (fingerprint scanners), secure storage areas for seeds and harvested products, and 24/7 monitoring capabilities with designated security personnel.
What happens during a DTAM inspection?
DTAM inspections include: facility tour and assessment, staff interviews, production process evaluation, documentation review, equipment inspection, security system verification, traceability system testing, and evaluation against all 14 major requirement categories. Inspectors prepare detailed reports with findings and recommendations.
Can Thailand Cannabis GACP certification be transferred or shared?
No, Thailand Cannabis GACP certification is facility-specific and cannot be transferred. Each cultivation site requires separate certification. If operators use contract growers, separate agreements and inspections are required, with the primary certificate holder responsible for ensuring subcontractor compliance.
What testing is required for Thailand Cannabis GACP compliance?
Pre-cultivation soil and water testing for heavy metals and toxic residues is mandatory. All harvested cannabis must be tested by Department of Medical Sciences or other approved laboratories for cannabinoid content, microbiological contamination, heavy metals, and pesticide residues per crop cycle.
Standard Operating Procedures & Waste Management
Detailed operational procedures, transportation protocols, and waste disposal requirements mandated for Thailand Cannabis GACP compliance.
Transportation Procedures
Secure metal lockbox containers for transport, advance notification to DTAM before shipment, designated responsible personnel (minimum 2 people), route planning with designated rest stops, vehicle security systems, and detailed transport documentation including batch numbers and quantities.
Waste Management
Written notification to DTAM before disposal, 60-day disposal timeline after approval, burial or composting methods only, photographic documentation before and after destruction, weight and volume recording, and witness requirements for disposal procedures.
Harvest Procedures
Pre-harvest notification to DTAM, minimum 2 authorized personnel for harvesting, video and photo documentation of harvest process, immediate secure storage, weight recording and batch identification, and same-day transport requirements.
Cultivation Growth Stages & Requirements
Visitor Access Protocols
All external visitors must complete authorization forms, provide ID documentation, receive approval from facility manager and security officer, follow hygiene protocols, and be accompanied at all times. Access may be denied without advance notice from DTAM.
GACP Glossary
Essential terminology and definitions for understanding GACP requirements and cannabis quality standards in Thailand.
DTAM
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (กรมการแพทย์แผนไทยและการแพทย์ทางเลือก) — Primary regulatory authority for Thailand Cannabis GACP certification under Ministry of Public Health.
Thailand Cannabis GACP
Thailand-specific Good Agricultural and Collection Practices standard for medicinal cannabis cultivation, harvesting, and primary processing. Mandatory for all licensed cannabis operations.
Cultivation Types
Three approved cultivation methods: กลางแจ้ง (outdoor), โรงเรือนทั่วไป (greenhouse), and ระบบปิด (indoor controlled environment). Each requires specific security and environmental controls.
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure — Mandatory documented procedures covering cultivation control, harvest operations, transportation, distribution, and waste disposal. Required for all 14 major requirement categories.
Batch/Lot System
Traceability system requiring unique identification for each production batch from seed to sale. Essential for recall procedures and compliance verification during DTAM inspections.
Waste Cannabis
Cannabis waste including non-sprouting seeds, dead seedlings, trim, and substandard material. Must be disposed through burial or composting with DTAM approval and photographic documentation.
IPM
Integrated Pest Management — Mandatory holistic pest control approach using biological, cultural, and organic methods only. Chemical pesticides prohibited except approved organic substances.
Community Enterprise
วิสาหกิจชุมชน — Legally registered community business entity eligible for Thailand Cannabis GACP certification. Must maintain active registration status and compliance with community enterprise laws.
Official Documents
Download official GACP documents, forms, and standards from the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM).
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Comprehensive SOPs according to GACP standards including cultivation, processing, and quality control procedures.
GACP Core Requirements
Final revised core requirements for GACP compliance, covering all 14 major requirement categories.
Certification Terms & Conditions
Terms and conditions for applying for GACP standard certification, including requirements and obligations.
Cultivation Site Registration Form
Official registration form for submitting cultivation site certification applications to DTAM.
Important Note: These documents are provided for reference purposes. Always verify with DTAM for the most current versions and requirements. Some documents may be in Thai language only.
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