On Thursday, Thailand legalised cannabis, becoming the first Asian country to lift the ban. However, the media reported that Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that those who use the drug to joint smoking will still be severely punished and warned against smoking.

Mr Charnvirakul said he expected legal cannabis production to boost the economy but warned recreational use would remain illegal. Under decriminalisation, it is no longer a crime to grow and trade cannabis and cannabis products or use parts of the plant to treat diseases.

Cafes and restaurants can also serve cannabis-infused foods and beverages, but only if the products contain less than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s main psychoactive compound, CNN reported.

There are still severe penalties under the Public Health Act, including up to three months in prison and an $800 fine for smoking marijuana in a public place.

According to CNN, the minister issued a stern warning to foreign tourists considering lighting up joint lights in public places.

Thailand’s relaxation of cannabis laws follows the country’s landmark decision in 2018 to allow the use of medical marijuana. Laws surrounding marijuana have since been further relaxed, removing cannabis buds and cannabis flowers from the country’s list of prohibited drugs.

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More than 3,000 prisoners serving sentences for marijuana and marijuana-related drug offences will be released following the announcement of decriminalisation by the Anutin Department of Public Health.