Senate advances bill to legalize medical cannabis use

A bill seeking to legalize medical cannabis use in the Philippines has advanced in the Senate after 13 senators signed Committee Report No. 210.

Senate Bill No. 2573 proposes establishing a Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) under the Department of Health to regulate and oversee the medical use of cannabis, assisted by a country's medical cannabis advisory committee.

The bill would permit patients with debilitating conditions to acquire, possess, transport, or cultivate cannabis for treatment purposes within designated facilities, while also allowing private individuals and the government to engage in the medical cannabis industry.

Health advocates and various sectors warn that legalizing medical marijuana could lead to recreational use and harm public well-being.

Dr. Tony Leachon expressed concern that the Philippines might become known as 'the Colombia of Southeast Asia' if recreational marijuana is legalized.