Philippine parliamentary committee approves plan to legalize medical cannabis

In the Philippines, the House of Representatives' joint committees on dangerous drugs and health have approved a bill paving the way for the medical and controlled use of cannabis, while maintaining strict regulations to prevent abuse.

Robert Ace Barbers, the Surigao del Norte provincial representative who championed the bill, sums it up by pointing out that it does not decriminalize cannabis entirely, but rather paves the way for its medical application within the framework of existing narcotics laws.

He points out that «this [proposed] law only grants an exception to the enumeration of drugs prohibited under Republic Act No. 9165 by limiting it to medical use».

One of the bill's key provisions is the creation of an Office du cannabis médical (OCM) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health. This regulatory body will oversee the accreditation of health professionals and ensure compliance with rigorous authorization protocols.

Mr Barbers confirms the meticulous nature of the accreditation process, stressing the need for comprehensive training and compliance with rigorous criteria. These measures are imperative to maintain the integrity of medical practice and prevent the exploitation of cannabis for non-medical purposes.

In addition, the bill provides for severe penalties for those who seek to manipulate the system for personal gain. Falsifying an illness or prescription to obtain cannabis carries severe consequences, including substantial fines and incarceration.

By removing the special permits required for humanitarian reasons, The bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and speed up the processing of eligible people. Mr. Barbers asserts that 'once the proposed bill becomes law, the issuance of a CSP will no longer be necessary».

This simplified approach should improve patient care and boost confidence in the efficacy of medical cannabis, according to the MP.

The bill is underpinned by a commitment to empirical evidence and patient-centred care. Barbers explains the imperative of empirical validation, asserting, «We have to allow this product [to gain ground] so we can verify whether it really works.» And to prioritize patient outcomes and scientific research over ideological constraints.