Philippine MPs approve medical use of cannabis

At a time when a fierce war is being waged against drug traffickers and users in the Philippines, the country's deputies have just authorized the medical use of cannabis. Patients benefiting from the therapeutic program will not be affected by purging that the Filipinos are currently enduring.

You smoke, you die

The Philippine House of Representatives has just passed a law that includes the various conditions for accessing and distributing cannabis. Other news, this law 180 designates which healthcare professionals will be able to prescribe medical cannabis. To avoid the discrimination and denunciation suffered by drug users, patients will be anonymous and will have to present a specific prescription. The distribution of licenses and prescriptions will be governed by the Ministry of Health via an agency dedicated to medical cannabis.

«Unlike some health professionals, Duterte is open about the medical use of cannabis. Finally there is hope for our people, especially children with epilepsy, cancer and multiple sclerosis. People with cancer or multiple sclerosis,» says Republican Congressman Seth Jalosjos. He urges Filipinos to «open their minds and cast away their fear of the unknown».

When he was mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte recognized that there could be medical uses of cannabis «Medical cannabis, yes, it's a real ingredient in modern medicine. Medicines already on the market contain cannabis components.» Enthusiastic, yes, but his clear-cut opinion on the matter has chilled many: «If you smoke it like a cigarette, I won't allow it. It's a prohibited product and there's a risk of being arrested. If you choose to be against the law, you will die.»

At the same time, Philippine deputies voted in favor of the death penalty for certain drug-related offenses.

Since Rodrigo Duterte came to power 8 months ago, more than 8,000 people are believed to have been killed according to the’Reuters agency. He has 5 years left on his mandate.