MEDICAL MARIJUANA | DOH says legalizing medical cannabis must be based on ‘scientific evidence’

February 13, 2024 , 09:38 PM

By Clarist Zablan

(February 13, 2024) – The health department on Tuesday said there is a need to ensure that measures in Congress seeking to legalize medical marijuana or cannabis use are based on the “best available scientific evidence.”

In a press statement, the health department advised lawmakers to consider the capacity of government agencies to regulate cannabis use in crafting the measure.

“Any such initiatives should be based on the best available scientific evidence, weighed for cost-effectiveness and public health impact,” the health department said. “Legislation should also consider the regulatory capacity of all government agencies involved should there be approval.”

However, the department stressed that it does not support the cultivation of cannabis plants or the manufacture of its products.

“The DOH reminds the general public that any use of marijuana at this point is still punishable by law unless granted a compassionate special permit (CSP) signed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General that would allow its use and importation in the country,” the department said.

In countries where medical marijuana use is allowed by law, its most common indication is for chronic pain management.

Last week, the Lower House Panel on Dangerous Drugs and Health approved a substitute bill seeking to legalize the use of cannabis, which would allow some patients to use it as medication for specific diseases without delisting it as a “dangerous drug” under the law.

The measure also proposed to create the Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) under the health department that will serve as a regulatory body for medical cannabis use.

Critics of the measure have expressed concerns that legalizing medical marijuana could pave the way for its recreational use. The Dangerous Drug Board has noted cannabis as the most commonly abused dangerous drug in the country as of 2021.

However, proponents of the measure believe that medical marijuana must be legalized for some patients who need it strictly for medical treatment.

In the Upper House, a counterpart measure filed by Senator Robin Padilla remains pending at the committee level.

(MM)

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