Thailand legalizes marijuana trade but prohibits recreational use.

Thais can now grow cannabis plants at home and sell the crop after the country removed marijuana from its list of prohibited narcotics.

The country is the first in South-East Asia to take such a step, a region known for its strict drug laws.

However, recreational use is still prohibited, despite the fact that supporters claim the changes effectively decriminalize marijuana.

The government hopes that the development of a local cannabis trade will boost agriculture and tourism.

To encourage people to pick up cannabis, the government is giving away one million seedlings.

“It is a chance for people and the state to earn money from marijuana and hemp,” said Anutin Charnvirakul, deputy prime minister and health minister, in a social media post.

Why are so many countries now legalizing cannabis?

‘It’s either cannabis or death,’ says one.

He posted a photo of a cannabis-infused chicken dish on Facebook, saying that anyone could sell it as long as they followed the rules, the most important of which is that products contain less than 0.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gives users that “high” feeling.

Households will be able to cultivate up to six cannabis pot plants at home beginning Thursday if they register with authorities, and businesses will be able to farm the plant with a permit.

Restaurants will also be able to serve cannabis-infused dishes and drinks.