Thailand tightens controls on cannabis

Three years ago, Thailand legalized the cultivation and sale of cannabis in a bid to stimulate the economy. But the country has now introduced strict controls on the plant that only allow for medical use.

The health ministry issued the new rules this week, and they took effect Thursday. The cannabis flower is now classified as a controlled herb, and only patients with medical prescriptions are allowed to buy it. The new controls came days after a major political party that had supported the decriminalization withdrew from the ruling coalition.

The owner of a cannabis shop in central Bangkok says the tightened controls are expected to affect businesses across the country. Cannabis advocates said they're planning a rally to oppose the change of policy. But officials said they will strictly enforce the rules in line with the government's crackdown on drugs.