Philippines: House of Health Representatives approves medical cannabis bill

In the midst of bloody war against drug users Following a disaster that claimed more than 10,000 lives, the Philippines is gradually moving toward legalizing the therapeutic use of cannabis.

The House of Representatives on Health did indeed unanimously support the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act After consulting with patients, healthcare workers, and lawyers, according to the official communiqué. The bill was introduced by Congressman Rodolfo T. Albano III and is intended to legalize and regulate medical cannabis in the Asian archipelago.

If the bill is passed, the law will oversee the creation of Compassion Centers, licensed by the Philippine Department of Health. These centers will be authorized to dispense cannabis to patients authorized to use cannabis for medical treatment or to caregivers through a pharmacist. The law will also allow for research medical research on cannabis, which is also overseen by the ministry.

The future «Cannabis Research and Safety Medical Services» will be responsible for cultivating and testing cannabis in enclosed, secure facilities, and only patients with a valid prescription for a debilitating condition (arthritis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.), will receive identification cards granting them access to their cannabis-based medication.

«The bill is very clear. We are not doing this for recreational use, and we are not decriminalizing cannabis,» Albano said. to the Philippine media. The member of Congress added that only cannabis-based medications will be permitted, and that the law does not allow for the smoking of raw cannabis.

The bill will now go before the full House for amendments, and then for a second reading. It is currently discussion since 2014. Possession or use of cannabis is still punishable by severe prison sentences in the Philippines (or, in some cases, a bullet to the head).