Thailand legalises growing and consumption of marijuana

Rittipomng Bachkul holds up a piece of cannabis at the Highland Cafe in Thailand. [Reuters]

Thailand legalised the growing of marijuana and its consumption in food and drinks on Thursday, the first Asian country to do so, with the aim of boosting its agriculture and tourism sectors but smoking pot is still against the law.

Shoppers queued up at outlets selling cannabis-infused drinks, sweets and other items as advocates of the plant welcomed the reform in a country that has long had a reputation for strict anti-drug laws.