Thailand becomes 1st Asian country to legalise cannabis, but you still can't smoke a joint in public

Thailand decriminalised cannabis on Thursday for plantation, trading and medical use, but smoking in public still remains a crime.

Thailand on Thursday became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis. However, tough penalties will still apply to those who use the drug to get high, said Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

In an interview, Anutin Charnvirakul said the move to decriminalise legal production of cannabis is taken to boost the economy. He also cautioned that recreational use of the drug still remains illegal.

"We still have regulations under the law that control the consumption, smoking or use of cannabis products in non-productive ways," said Anutin Charnvirakul.

Under decriminalisation, growing and trading marijuana and hemp products or use parts of the plant to treat illnesses is not a crime.

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Cafes and restaurants can also serve cannabis-infused food and drinks, but the products should only contain less than 0.2 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant's main psychoactive compound.

Harsh penalties, up to three months imprisonment and an $800 fine for smoking cannabis in public, will remain in place under the Public Health Act.