When Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalize cannabis, the world watched closely. But one company, Baked Thailand, has managed to do what few others in the region have: win official FDA approval for a cannabis-infused edible. Their chocolate chip cookies—each dosed at a modest 1.6mg of THC—are now among the first legal cannabis edibles available on store shelves, in bars, and in restaurants across the Kingdom.

From Kitchen Concept to FDA Approval

Baked Thailand was founded by Ornipa “Pupae” Levey and her husband, Louis. The inspiration came partly from family: her father-in-law’s chronic pain wasn’t relieved by opioids, so they turned to cannabis edibles as an alternative. What began as a homemade solution eventually evolved into a business idea—one that would push the limits of Thailand’s evolving cannabis laws.

Getting government approval was no easy feat. “After many months of going back and forth, multiple rounds of testing our cookies, and being forced to make changes to our packaging, we finally have Thailand’s first FDA-approved cannabis cookies ready to take preorders,” Levey explained. The rules are strict: each cookie must not exceed 1.6mg of THC, packaging cannot display certain slogans, and cookies must carry consumption warnings.

Still, the win was significant. Baked Thailand can now sell its cookies in grocery stores, cafés, convenience shops, and even restaurants—essentially anywhere except schools, hospitals, and temples.

A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist

The cookies themselves are classic: American-style chocolate chip, dusted with sugar for a slight crackle and balanced with a subtle cannabis flavor. Weighing eight grams apiece, they’re approachable both to newcomers and experienced consumers who can simply increase the number they eat.

Levey and her team source their cannabis leaves from Maejo University in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s oldest agricultural school and one of the first institutions licensed to grow cannabis for medical use. Using a sativa-dominant hybrid developed at the university, Baked Thailand ensures its products are both consistent and trustworthy.

“Our vision was to create something that felt safe and familiar while introducing people to cannabis in a way that wouldn’t overwhelm them,” Levey said.

The Consumer Experience

Local cannabis commentator Mendel Menachem, who sampled Baked Thailand’s cookies at the Chiang Mai High Thai Convention, describes them as “delicious” with “soft, gentle, chill” effects. For someone who admits edibles often feel unpredictable, Menachem found the microdose approach refreshing.

“One cookie works for me for daytime use—I would probably move up to two cookies at night,” he wrote. “The effects never got stronger than relaxed and focused, which makes them versatile for patients and casual users alike.”

He added that the dosage is appropriate for people new to cannabis, while more experienced consumers can “build up slowly without getting slammed by the usual edible dose.”

Cannabis in Thailand: A Shifting Landscape

Thailand’s cannabis industry remains in flux. Medical cannabis was legalized in 2018, and recreational use followed in 2022 when cannabis was removed from the country’s Category 5 narcotics list. Adults can grow plants at home, but the political climate is uncertain. Some lawmakers have pushed for tighter restrictions, especially following the 2023 elections.

For Levey, the stigma surrounding cannabis is still deeply ingrained. “Up until recently, cannabis was categorized with heroin and we were taught it makes you crazy,” she reflected. “These false ideas make lawmakers more cautious with how they’re implementing regulations.”

Despite that, her team remains optimistic. With legal microdosed edibles now in circulation, Baked Thailand is helping normalize cannabis consumption in mainstream spaces.

Looking Ahead

Currently available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Baked Thailand is expanding its reach across the country, from Phuket to Pattaya. The team is also experimenting with new flavors tailored to Thai tastes and additional product lines that fit within evolving regulations.

In a market often defined by uncertainty, Baked Thailand’s cookies stand as a small but powerful sign of progress. For Levey, the mission is simple: “We wanted to give people an option to learn how their bodies react to ingestible THC—safely, legally, and deliciously.”

For more visit https://bakedthailand.com and Instagram