Marijuana to Be Legalized in the Phillipines

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According to the study of the institute of medicine, national academy press Washington, D.C., marijuana contains cannabinoid. Cannabinoid content of marijuana has found to have positive effects in medical uses. Cannabinoids are the group of compounds related to THC, whether found in the marijuana plant, in animals, or synthesized in chemistry laboratories.

Cannabinoids likely have a natural role in pain modulation, control of movement, and memory. The natural role of cannabinoids in immune systems is likely multi-faceted and remains unclear. The brain develops tolerance to cannabinoids. Animal research demonstrates the potential for dependence, but this potential is observed under a narrower range of conditions than with benzodiazepines, opiates, cocaine, or nicotine. Withdrawal symptoms can be observed in animals but appear to be mild compared to opiates or benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium).

The different cannabinoid receptor types found in the body appear to play different roles in normal human physiology. In addition, some effects of cannabinoids appear to be independent of those receptors. The variety of mechanisms through which cannabinoids can influence human physiology underlies the variety of potential therapeutic uses for drugs that might act selectively on different cannabinoid systems.

Medical cannabis is oil extracted from the marijuana plant that is mixed with carrier oil. Of the more than 80 cannabinoids found in the plant, only two are closely studied: cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is nonpsychoactive; THC is the one that gives the “high.” Both CBD and THC are said to offer a wide range of treatments, although medicinal formulation contains more CBD than THC (usually 25:1). They’re often referred to as CBD oil.

Selling or using marijuana is a criminal offense under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. However, it is also highlighted in Section 2 of the Act that: “The government shall however aim to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs. It is further declared the policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms or measures to re-integrate into society individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.”

The bill that seeks to legalize the use of cannabis or marijuana for medical treatment is known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act or House Bill NO. 4477 authored by Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III. Section 2 of this act states that “the State shall legalize and regulate the medical use of cannabis which has been confirmed to have beneficial and therapeutic uses to treat chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis.”

Before marijuana can be prescribed to a patient, it is necessary that a licensed physician provides a complete assessment of the patient’s medical history. The patient’s current medical condition will also be examined and this includes personal physical examination and diagnostic. This is to determine if the patient’s medical condition is debilitating. This is stated on SEC 3 of the Act under Definition of Terms.

The main concern of those who oppose the legalization of marijuana in the Philippines is its ability to provide easy and quick access to those who use and sell it. This is why Section 5 outlines the Act’s Power and Functions. One of the powers and functions of this act include: “Approve the recommendation made by the certifying doctor who has a bona fide relationship with the patient that, after completing a medical assessment of the patient’s medical history and current medical condition, including an appropriate personal physical examination, in his professional medical opinion, a patient is suffering from a debilitating medical condition, and is likely to receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of cannabis.”

On the other hand, the 5,000-year-old relationship of humans and weed, transitioning from medicinal to spiritual to recreational use, may now be coming full circle. In the United States, medicinal cannabis is already legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. In the Philippines, a group of cannabis advocates known as the Philippine Compassion for Cannabis Society (PCCS), composed of patients and parents of children who are in need of medical marijuana, is currently pushing for its legalization and regulation in the country.

However, in some states in United States, marijuana has already been legalized. One of the merits for its legalization is its ability to provide relief for various neuropathic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. It can also treat epileptic seizures and loss of appetite after a person with AIDS or HIV undergoes chemotherapy or following treatment (www.thephilippine.com).

Both Colorado and Washington have provided that the possession of marijuana in accordance with certain restrictions shall not be a violation of state law. It would appear unlikely that these aspects of both state laws—which only exempt certain individuals who possess marijuana from penalties under state law—would be preempted by federal law. It is important to reiterate however, that even if otherwise valid, permitting the possession, distribution or production of marijuana under state law does not alter the fact that the conduct remains a crime under federal law (Garvey and Yeh, 2014).

Marijuana legalization is a controversial and multifaceted issue that is now the subject of serious debate. Since 2012, four U.S. states have passed ballot initiatives to remove prohibition and legalize a forprofit commercial marijuana industry. In December 2013, Uruguay became the first country to experiment with legalization nationwide; the Netherlands, widely known for its marijuana-selling coffee shops, tolerates only retail sales and does not allow commercial production. Voters in Washington, D.C., recently took the more limited step of passing an initiative to legalize home production and personal possession. All of these moves were unprecedented. The effects are likely to be complex and will be difficult to fully assess for some time. Commercial sale in a way that fits the alcohol model is not the only alternative to the prohibition of marijuana.