Thailand could soon become the first country in Asia to legalize medical marijuana.
Thai lawmakers backed an amendment that would regulate marijuana and the plant kratom for medical use, according to the AP. Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia, and is used to treat pain, anxiety, depression and the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
The proposal is a big move for a country where marijuana is currently classified as an illegal narcotic and punishable with jail time and massive fines.
The National Legislative Assembly submitted the proposal on Friday. It will still need to be reviewed by the ministry and the cabinet before being voted on.
