Still Burning Bright: HIGHLAND 420 Turns 10

Bangkok’s most iconic cannabis festival proves the show must go on.

By Ayush Madan

Before cannabis was legal in Thailand, HIGHLAND 420 was one of the few places cannabis users could freely light up and just be. What started as a small, grassroots event has grown into one of the most recognizable festivals of its kind in Asia. This year’s edition, held on 14-15 June at JJ Mall in Chatuchak, marked a major milestone – 10 years!

I went on Sunday, June 15, with my friend Maddy and the INGRESS team. From the moment we arrived, the energy was high (no pun intended). It was more than a party — it felt like a celebration of how far we’ve come, and maybe even a quiet protest against how much we stand to lose.

People were already lined up to meet a globally recognized figure in the cannabis space, who came through to promote their wellness brand. Across the venue, international vendors were showcasing a range of products — from flower to edibles — and the whole place was buzzing.

But to be honest, I wasn’t there for the star power or the merch. The highlight of the event wasn’t any one act or appearance. It was the community. Everywhere I turned, I ran into friends — Anna, Frank, Amy, Mike, Yaguchi, Tiger, Eye, Jasmine, Moss, Sandy — all moving through the market stalls and catching up in corners.

Some standout booths? YGU had a selection of premium flower on display, with samples available for guests. Thai Boy Grow hosted a pull-up challenge where you could win a T-shirt or a small prize if you hit the rep count. “Stoners have to be healthy,” said the guy running the booth, and honestly, fair enough.

Maddy and I eventually settled into a mellow booth run by Mali, featuring a logo with a rabbit that much resembled the one from Alice in Wonderland. The founders had decorated the space with wood, jute, and a touch of that old-school boho charm. We sat down for a break and just took it all in — the sunset, the music, the laughter. Someone walked past and joked that everyone looked “way too relaxed,” and they weren’t wrong.

One of the big draws for me was the live music, and it didn’t disappoint. The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band played all the hits — Lam San Disco, Show Wong Molam International — bringing together phin, khaen, bass, and beats in a way only they can. Kammao Perdtanon and Sawai Kaewsombat led the charge on traditional Thai instruments, and the whole crowd moved as one, hands swaying in unison like leaves in the wind.

Other acts like YoungOhm, H3F, and Safeplanet added their own flavor, mixing genres and generations. You could feel the pride in the air – from the musicians, the vendors, and the guests alike.

Looking back, it’s wild to think how fast things have changed. In 2025, Thailand’s cannabis market is projected to generate over $434 million USD. And Bangkok? It’s become something else entirely. I was at a bar in Hong Kong not long ago when I overheard travelers talking about a city where dispensaries were everywhere and the smell of weed just hung in the air. I didn’t need to ask — I knew they were talking about Bangkok.

That said, the future’s uncertain. There’s talk of changing regulations, of rolling back the progress that’s been made. What happens next is still up in the air. But on that rooftop in Chatuchak, surrounded by growers, artists, and friends, it was clear that this movement has roots now. Deep ones.

Maybe that’s the real story here. Not just the music or the market stalls. But the fact that we made it this far. That ten years ago, this kind of thing had to exist in the shadows — and now it’s standing proudly in the sunlight (or at least under a string of fairy lights on the 6th floor of JJ Mall).

Here’s to the organisers, the OGs, the dreamers, the growers, and the believers. You’ve built something real.

And as always, happy toking.

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DISCLAIMER:

This article is part of INGRESS’s cultural coverage of public events and reflects the author’s personal perspective. It is not intended to promote or encourage any unregulated activity. All INGRESS media and operations are conducted in compliance with current Thai cannabis regulations.