The Traveling Cannabis Writer x Monica Garcia: Thailand Cannabis Tour

Breaking New Ground: Monica Garcia in Thailand and Beyond

OCTOBER132025 – originally interviewed and published in/by cash color cannabis 

Thailand has quickly become one of the most fascinating—and misunderstood—cannabis markets in the world. After making history as the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis, its recent pivot back to a medical-only model left many wondering what’s really happening. But for those paying attention, the real story is just beginning.

The new regulations have created a massive opportunity for international partnerships, especially for North American companies with expertise in testing, compliance, and medical-grade cultivation.

Monica Garcia wants to be at the center of that shift. A world champion martial artist, 30-year cannabis veteran, and international pioneer, Garcia is poised to leverage her legacy roots in California to expand her role in Thailand, where she’s already built networks connecting cultivators, brands, and innovators across seven countries. Her work now bridges the gap between Thai operators and the advanced technology and compliance standards the medical market demands.

To explore Thailand’s cannabis future, CashColorCannabis contributor Veronica “Vee” Castillo sat down with Garcia for a conversation on the past, present, and future of this global marketplace.

CashColorCannabis: Monica, you’ve spent more than 30 years in cannabis and built networks across seven countries. Why did you decide to collaborate and host Veronica, The Traveling Cannabis Writer, for the Thailand Canna Tour?

Monica Garcia: Veronica and I share the same heartbeat for this plant: authenticity, storytelling, and connection. She’s built her platform on amplifying the people behind the movement, not just the products. Partnering with her allows Thailand’s cannabis story to reach audiences who crave something real. Together, we’re bridging worlds; from California’s legacy to Thailand’s evolution, giving a voice to cultivators, innovators, and entrepreneurs shaping Asia’s cannabis future.

CCC: Why is it important to bring a media spotlight to Thailand’s cannabis industry right now?

MG: Because this is the moment history pivots. Thailand is recalibrating from full-spectrum legalization to a structured medical model, and while that may sound like a restriction, it’s actually a transformation. The world needs to see what’s happening here: local farmers elevating to global standards, brands adapting with grace, and international players watching closely. Media coverage ensures that Thailand’s story isn’t misunderstood and is rewritten through innovation, integrity, and opportunity.

CCC: You made a bold move relocating from California to Thailand. What drove that decision?

MG: It was intuition and alignment. I spent decades building in the California legacy scene, surviving raids, shifts, and every wave of change. When Thailand opened its doors, I felt the same raw, pioneering energy I once felt in California’s early days. I came to contribute, not to compete. This is Asia’s gateway for medical cannabis, and I wanted to be here early to help shape how international collaboration can be done with respect, culture, and compliance at the center.

CCC: What are you personally hoping to achieve through the Thailand Canna Tour?

MG: To create meaningful bridges. This tour isn’t about tourism; it’s about transformation. I want international companies to see the heart and hustle of Thailand’s cannabis community;  the cultivators, the innovators, and the educators. Collaborations and partnerships are my dream in this space; for people to form partnerships that not only make business sense but also elevate the entire global industry toward sustainability, transparency, and healing.

CCC: Sponsorship is a big part of making this tour possible. Why should businesses consider joining as sponsors?

MG: Because this isn’t just exposure, it’s immersion. Sponsors gain access to top-tier Thai operations, government advisors, and market pioneers. You’re not just supporting a media tour; you’re planting your flag in one of the fastest-emerging cannabis markets in the world. Whether you’re a U.S. ancillary tech company or a Thai brand seeking global credibility, sponsorship is your golden ticket to direct introductions, visibility, and future distribution pipelines. We’re not selling ads, we’re building alliances.

CCC: You’ve spoken often about the importance of bridging markets. Why is connecting North America and Asia’s cannabis industries so critical?

MG: Because no one market has the full formula. North America has the infrastructure, compliance models, and technology. Asia, led by Thailand, has cultural depth, wellness traditions, and massive consumer potential. When those worlds unite, we unlock a truly global cannabis ecosystem; one that honors tradition while embracing innovation. My mission is to make sure that the bridge is built on trust, knowledge sharing, and shared prosperity, not exploitation. That’s the future I’m fighting for.