Medical marijuana? Lawmakers, Catriona Gray agree

MANILA, Philippines — Proponents in Congress of the medical marijuana legalization bill have found an ally in Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Rep. Ron Salo of party-list Kabayan thanked Gray for voicing before an international audience her approval of medical marijuana or cannabis.

Salo is a co-author of House Bill 6517, or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which has been approved by the House committee on health headed by Quezon Rep. Helen Tan, a doctor.

Gray was asked during the contest about her views on legalizing marijuana. She replied that she supported it for medical use.

Gray later told reporters the question was “definitely relevant” and “an active topic,” in apparent reference to the deadly war on drugs that has killed thousands of Filipinos and caused international alarm.

President Duterte recently sparked controversy anew when he joked about smoking marijuana to deal with his busy schedule of meetings with other Asian leaders at a regional summit.

“We are certain that her statement during the pageant will convince Congress to expedite passage of HB 6517 into law,” Salo said. The measure’s principal author is Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano.

“I am one of the bill’s co-authors and voted for its approval at committee and will continue to support the bill at plenary and ratification,” the deputy majority leader promised. The measure, if approved, would give patients “better quality of life” and invite “compassion” as well.

“Catriona Gray’s position on the legalization of marijuana for healing purposes could have been influenced by PRRD’s stand on the matter or she she could have come up with that conclusion after considering the pros and cons of the issue,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement, referring to the president by his initials.

Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde, for his part, said proposals to legalize marijuana for medical use should be further studied.

“I think we have to consult the experts,” Albayalde told reporters at a news briefing yesterday.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has no objection to allowing the compassionate use of marijuana for medical purposes, provided that applicable safeguards are followed.

Albayalde said there is a need to consult physicians and other experts on marijuana use for medical purposes, as it might be abused. – With Emmanuel Tupas, Alexis Romero

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