House panel begins hearing on medical marijuana
THE House Committee on Dangerous Drugs chaired by Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers on Tuesday started hearing the measure legalizing medical marijuana.
The bill, authored by former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, seeks to remove from the list of illegal drugs and substances cannabis or marijuana. Delisting it will “legalize” its medicinal use.
Barbers clarified that the bill does not allow the recreational use of cannabis but will only allow it for medicinal use.
“Recently, more and more countries are easing regulations on the said drug for medicinal (purposes.) Other countries have already allowed its recreational use. For our purposes, we will limit it for medicinal purpose,” Barbers said.
“It is just a matter of time before we are deluged with calls to open our eyes and minds to the latest scientific developments now benefitting humanity. There is growing evidence that cannabis oil and other derivatives are helping seriously ill patients, both young and old, who are otherwise considered helpless and unproductive for the rest of their lives. If our chemical-heavy pharma couldn’t find the cure to these illnesses, why would we stand in the way and deprive the afflicted of relief and enjoyment of their lives,” Barbers said.
“It is about time that we look at the positive side of this substance. IF THERE IS A GOOD SIDE TO IT, then by all means, we should consider it. Look at the substance amphetamine, a major component of shabu. It is a critical component or ingredient of many medicines now being consumed worldwide,” Barbers said.
