Now that the government has eased restrictions on cannabis usage in Thailand, more than a handful of restaurants and cafés across the kingdom have rolled out food and drinks infused with CBD or cannabidiol, a chemical compound from the marijuana plant that’s meant to impart feelings of calm and relaxation. (CBD is different from THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound responsible for giving a psychoactive high.) And GTG Café, set in the heart of Bangkok on Soi Sukhumvit 36, is the latest establishment to promote the mindful and positive effects of cannabis.
Golden Triangle Group is behind this new CBD establishment. The firm uses CBD from cannabis grown in Chaing Rai, where they own a farm exclusively dedicated to cultivating the Cannatonic strain, which is mostly known for its relaxing effects. These plants are used mainly to produce cannabinoids for medical and cooking purposes, with support from Chiang Rai Rajabhat University.
To underline their passion for cannabis research, the team has given GTG Café the look of a stylish laboratory. Decor is sparse and minimal, except for weed-inspired art pieces and a smattering of five-fingered leaves preserved in glass cases. What’s more, the food and drinks line-up is all about experimenting with the many possibilities of CBD, and to promote it as something that we can enjoy on a daily basis.
Beginners can start on their cannabis journey with two drinks: Cannatonic Iced Tea (B110) or Cannatonic Iced Milk Tea (B150). Each is a good introduction for those with no prior knowledge of the plant’s distinctive taste and smell (it can be a love-it-or-hate-it experience).
If the taste of cannabis doesn’t put you off, then go on to explore the other products in the shop, such as cannabis-infused cookies (B80 per piece). Available in three flavors—Matcha-White Chocolate, Chocolate, and Almond—these scrumptious bites are best paired with CannaButter Hot Milk Coffee (B150), a pleasing beverage that uses butter mixed with cannabis oil. The canna butter is also a main ingredient in GTG’s croissants (B90 each), which comes with a huge cannabis leaf that you can nibble on.
If you really want something to savor, then try the Terpenes Hemp ice cream. At only B120 per scoop, GTG’s take on the popular dessert contains terpenes, which helps enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD. The café claims that no one in the high-sensation game does it like they do—GTG uses a large amount of fresh cannabis leaves to make this lip-smacking dessert.
Go on and explore the taste, aroma and sensations afforded by the happy plant at GTG Cafe. They also offer delivery via GrabFood, LINE MAN and Robinhood.