DDB, PDEA consider downgrading marijuana following Senate inquiry

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are considering downgrading marijuana from its current classification following a Senate inquiry on Tuesday.

Senator Robin Padilla asked when PDEA would adhere to recommendations by the World Health Organization and the United Nations to reschedule cannabis, prompting Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa to confirm that both agencies are willing but need legislative changes.

Dela Rosa emphasized during the Senate plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget that RA 9165 must be amended before marijuana can be reclassified as a less dangerous drug.

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 lists marijuana as a prohibited substance, requiring legislative action to remove it from this classification before any changes can occur.

Despite the legal hurdle, both DDB and PDEA expressed their full support for efforts to reclassify marijuana, pending necessary amendments to RA 9165.