4 groups oppose medical marijuana bill

MANILA, Philippines - Four medical organizations opposed a bill filed with the House of Representatives that seeks to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Pain Society of the Philippines, Philippine Psychiatric Association and Philippine League for Epilepsy met recently to discuss House Bill 4477 or the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. 

PCP president Anthony Leachon said yesterday they agreed “not to support” the bill, which was authored by House Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora. 

“There is no solid evidence based on review of data that it would be beneficial… This bill would set a precedent on legislation to regulate drugs,” he said.

The bill proposes that only patients with debilitating medical conditions shall be authorized to use marijuana or cannabis. This includes severe and chronic pain; cachexia or wasting syndrome; seizures, including epilepsy; severe nausea; severe and persistent muscle spasms, including multiple sclerosis.

It provides for the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Regulatory Authority under the Department of Health. 

Leachon said there is no need for a law on compassionate use since this is allowed by the Food and Drug Administration “with corresponding rules and restrictions.”

“It will open the floodgates for indiscriminate use of marijuana in the Philippines, whose regulatory environment is not stringent, leading to vehicular accidents, crimes and other socio-economic impacts,” he said.