Medical use of marijuana legalised in Thailand

Thailand has legalised the use of medical marijuana with a vote in the National Legislative Assembly, making it the first country in south-east Asia to do so.

"The amendment (on the Narcotics Bill) was passed after the second and third readings today. And will become effective once it is published on the Royal Gazette," lawmaker Somchai Sawangkarn said on Tuesday. "This could be considered as a New Year gift to Thais," he further remarked, according to CNN.

166 members of the legislative assembly voted in favour of the motion, while 13 members abstained from voting. There were no votes against the motion.

However, recreational marijuana is still illegal in the country which is based in a region where most countries have stringent laws against the use of drugs.

The medical use of marijuana is also legal in Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Ireland among others.

-ANI