Senator Robinhood Padilla defended his proposed Medical Cannabis Bill, citing its strict procedures to prevent abuse.
“Medical cannabis can easily be afforded by our countrymen. It is alternative medicine. I am putting safeguards in place because I really don’t want it to be abused,” he said.
Senate Bill No. 2583, also known as the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, seeks to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
Padilla assured openness to amendments from colleagues to further improve the measure.
Padilla also addressed concerns about drug abuse, noting marijuana isn’t the primary issue in rehabilitation centers, and that shabu (methamphetamine) and alcohol are more prevalent problems.
The bill outlines specific conditions that could qualify a patient for medical cannabis, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Patients would need a prescription from a licensed physician. Ram Superable
