Thailand eyes recriminalizing marijuana, juggling health and commerce

BANGKOK -- Two years after Thailand legalized marijuana for medical purposes, the government is moving to recriminalize the drug due to widespread recreational use that has caused public health issues.

Cannabis buds will be reclassified as narcotics starting next year, according to draft rules proposed June 11 by the Ministry of Public Health. The government is targeting recreational use, but it remains unclear how medical usage would be affected.