A lawmaker in North Macedonia is resigning after an illegally taped phone conversation in which he appeared to be ordering cannabis oil from a private dealer was posted on social media.

Pavle Bogoevski, 33, a lawmaker from the leftist ruling party, said Thursday he was resigning as a member of parliament to "set an example" for those fighting for justice and equality.

Cannabis oil can be legally bought in pharmacies at certain dosages but not from private dealers.

Bogoevski has said he was buying the oil for his sister, who had suffered serious injuries in a car crash.

He has filed a criminal complaint against the taxi driver who allegedly illegally taped his conversation.