A cheaper supply of the goods people use to treat their pain and illnesses resulted from Thailand’s liberalization of cannabis prohibitions.

Last week, Thailand became the first nation in Asia to legalize the private cultivation and use of marijuana. Officials predicted that this move would promote agriculture by providing farmers with a lucrative new cash crop.

Since 2018, it has been permitted to use medical marijuana there. However, prior to the legal change, consumers were forced to buy expensive imports. Some patients sought out illicit vendors.

Prices for imported cannabis buds have decreased by 50% since they once cost up to 700 baht per gram.