Lawmaker: Make marijuana use legal
A LAWMAKER is renewing a call to decriminalize the use of cannabis or marijuana.
Called “Free The Plant” program, former Speaker now Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez said by legalizing the use marijuana, but with safeguards, the government can help in attaining economic independence and freedom from poverty.
Alvarez is advocating this as the country celebrates the 125th year of Philippine Independence.
Pending in the House of Representatives is the HB 6783.
“This is the only way we can harness the full potential of the benefits of Cannabis, both medically and economically,” he said.
Alvarez called for the need for courage to explore and take alternative, progressive, but effective means of addressing our problems.
In a previous statement, Alvarez said difficult problems require non-traditional and creative solutions.
“Tapang ang kailangan natin dito. We need the courage to face the problems head on and the capability to handle the solutions that is called for by modern times. Decriminalization of Cannabis can lead us to freedom from economic poverty. The potential for economic gain is astounding, international studies and models have proven this. The numbers speak for itself, and even our government agencies involved acknowledged it during the technical working group discussions in Congress. We have to face it,” he said.
The legalization of marijuana has demonstrated substantial economic benefits in countries like Canada and the United States.
Canada’s cannabis market soared, generating CAD 2.6 billion in sales, while the legal cannabis industry in the United States supported over 321,000 jobs and achieved $18.3 billion in sales.
By legalizing marijuana in the country, the Philippines can unlock a profitable market, foster job creation, stimulate economic growth, and generate substantial tax revenues.
The solon stressed that the key role of ensuring comprehensive safeguards and regulations, raising its similarity with the rule of law in the exercise of freedom and sovereignty of states.
“While freedom may be absolute, rule of law prevails to ensure the protection of the people, their rights, and their welfare. The same is true should we choose to FREE THE PLANT. May mga batas po tayo, we create them, we draft, revise, and repeal them, we adapt as we see fit. That is incumbent upon us lawmakers. And I am sure that we will be able to ensure that safeguards against abuse and misuse and abuse of the plant,” he added.
