Medical marijuana group to push for legalization

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Cannabis Compassion Society (PCCS) is not giving up its fight for the legalization of marijuana despite President Duterte’s announcement that he will not allow it. 

The PCCS yesterday called on its members and all other supporters of medical cannabis not to be easily discouraged and continue efforts for the legalization of medical marijuana in the country.

According to PCCS, those advocating for medical marijuana should go beyond just commenting on social media and encourage them to stage protest rallies to convince Duterte to reconsider his position.

“Are we ready to bring the fight to the streets, and even up to Malacañang,” the PCCS posted on its Facebook account.

PCCS said patients and their family members advocating for medical marijuana should be ready and willing to continue the fight for legal, regulated and safe access to affordable medical cannabis.

Last December, Duterte said he is willing to sign the bill providing for the legalization of marijuana.

However, he eventually changed his tune and a nounced last week that he is against the proposed measure.

PCCS is a group of advocates pushing for safe, legal and affordable access to medical marijuana.

Malacañang stands by President Duterte’s stand that he will not allow the legalization of marijuana during his term.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo clarified that the President has now taken a more definitive stand following his statement last week that legalizing marijuana would just be an excuse for operators to plant the weed.  – With Christina Mendez