DDB: CBD oil still prohibited in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) yesterday reminded the public that the marijuana derivative cannabidiol (CBD) is still prohibited in the country.

DDB chairman Catalino Cuy said Regulation 8 Series of 2019 only allows the importation of medicines containing dangerous drugs that are registered in other countries.

He said CBD oil or other raw materials for marijuana is banned in the Philippines and those found importing the items in the country could face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

“That ingredient is still illegal,” Cuy said in a phone interview.

He issued the statement in response to an article from The STAR stating that Greenergy Holdings Inc. has acquired a majority stake in Yakuru Group Pty. Ltd. which recently introduced its line of CBD or medical mairjuana products in Australia.

The article mentioned that the DDB’s approval of a cannabis product for compassionate use could pave the way for CBD importation, subject to approval by the government.

Cuy clarified there is no effort on the part of the government to import CBD oil for medicinal purposes.

The DDB earlier said it is considering allowing the use of CBD-based medication which has no more than 0.1 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol content, which is the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects.