The Philippines Government Says Yes to Medical Cannabis Regulation

The Philippian government recently approved a bill that would allow patients and caregivers access to medicinal cannabis.

The Philippines’ House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 180, otherwise known as the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, earlier this week. The Philippine Medical Cannabis Act, written by Representative Rodolfo Albano, has undergone thorough reviews and revisions by a technical team to guarantee every detail has been accounted for. In order to receive a well-rounded perspective on the matter, The House of Representatives opened its doors to those with firsthand experience including advocacy groups and health practitioners for consultation. With the recent approval, House Bill No. 180 now has the opportunity to become law through a final vote.

As a law, the act would establish Medical Cannabis Compassionate Centers. These centers would be located in hospitals with the authority to sell and supply medical cannabis to approved patients and caregivers. Each center would also require special licensing by the Department of Health in order to operate. In addition, the bill paves a road for Medical Cannabis Research and Safety Facilities, a much needed tool to guarantee continual growth and pursuit of medical knowledge on cannabis and its many beneficial attributes.

Many may recall that the Philippines has made headlines due to its president’s strict policy on controlled substances. Despite his commitment to the war on drugs in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte gave his support over regulating cannabis. “Medicinal marijuana is really an ingredient of medicine now,” Duterte shared with the press last year. Currently, Duterte has spearheaded the operations targeting both methamphetamine sellers and consumers in his country, making the recent move by the government all the more notable. Government officials have made a clear distinction between cannabis, which is still considered a schedule I drug, and harmful substances like methamphetamine; a significant step forward for cannabis policy reform worldwide. The Philippines has joined the ranks of a select few nations who have recognized cannabis as a credible medicine for a variety of illnesses and conditions.