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Thailand decriminalised cannabis for the first time on Thursday, making it the first Asian country to do so.

According to CNN, Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul acknowledged that anyone who use the medication to get high will face harsh punishments and urged against smoking joints.

Mr Charnvirakul predicted that legal cannabis production will improve the economy, but he stressed that recreational cannabis usage is still banned.

Mr Charnvirakul, who is also a deputy prime minister, added, "It's a no." "Under the legislation, we still have laws that limit the use, smoking, or non-productive usage of cannabis products."

It is no longer illegal to grow, trade, or utilise components of the plant for medical purposes, thanks to decriminalisation.

According to CNN, cafes and restaurants can serve cannabis-infused food and beverages as long as the items contain less than 0.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant's main intoxicating ingredient.

The Public Health Act nevertheless imposes harsh penalties, including up to three months in prison and a USD 800 fine for smoking cannabis in public.

Mr Charnvirakul stated, "We (have always) stressed using cannabis extractions and raw ingredients for medical purposes and for health." "There has never been a time when we have considered pushing for people to use cannabis for recreational purposes — or to use it in a way that could offend others."

According to CNN, the minister issued a strong warning to international tourists considering smoking a joint in public.

He continued, "Thailand will encourage the use of cannabis for medical purposes. It is not an issue if [tourists] come to Thailand for medical treatment or health-related things, but it is incorrect if you believe you want to travel to Thailand only because you heard cannabis or marijuana is legal... (or) come to Thailand to smoke joints freely... Please don't come. If you come to this country just for that purpose, we will not welcome you."

Thailand's cannabis laws have been eased in the wake of the country's historic decision to legalise medical marijuana use in 2018.

Cannabis regulations have been further liberalised since then, with cannabis buds and flowers being removed from the country's list of prohibited substances.

Following Anutin's Public Health Ministry's declaration of decriminalisation, more than 3,000 offenders serving prison terms for cannabis and hemp-related narcotic offences would be released.