A House leader assured the public that marijuana or cannabis will only be allowed to use for medicinal purposes.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, said the lawmakers will start looking into measures that seek to legalize marijuana strictly not for recreational purposes.

“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.

Reports said that more and more countries are easing regulations on the said drug for medicinal purpose. Other countries have already allowed its recreational use.

“For our purposes, we will limit it for medicinal purpose,” Barbers clarified.

A measure was authored by former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez which seeks to remove from the list of illegal drugs and substances, cannabis or marijuana.

Delisting it will legalize its medicinal use.

“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,” Barbers said.

“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,” he added.

Meanwhile, Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez insisted on the removal of marijuana and its other derivatives from the list of dangerous drugs and substance .

“We can decriminalize cannabis and its derivatives, and we can collect billions worth of taxes from its production and sale. We can use the added revenues to build more roads and bridges, more classrooms and hospitals, and more public service in pursuit of the common good. We can also use the extra taxes collected to help our country pay for our deep debt brought on by the economic crisis during the pandemic,” Alvarez said.

“Cannabis should not be viewed as a problem. Cannabis should be part of the solution,” he added.

The veteran solon told the House panel it is time to correct the wrong impression with the marijuana as various studies showed that unlike the consumption of liquor, it does not make people reckless and aggressive.

“Also, unlike cigarettes and soft drinks that bring slow but terrible harm to society, cannabis and its derivatives offer other benefits. Many are still being studied and explored. But what is certain is the additional government revenue it will produce,” he explained.

Alvarez said marijuana is a potential source of of billions worth of revenues as the e experience of other C=countries and states that rolled back senseless prohibition against this substance is clear proof.

He cited the State of Colorado which collected over $1 billion in cannabis tax revenues since legalizing it in 2014.

In 2021, Colorado collected $423 million from cannabis tax revenues, up almost 10% from the prior year.

According to a study by the RCG Economics and Marijuana Policy Group, should the State of Nevada legalize recreational cannabis, the move will support over 41,000 jobs by 2024 and generate over $1.7 billion in labor income.

“If the government allows harmful products like alcoholic beverages, cancer-causing cigarettes, and diabetes-bringing sugary drinks, why can’t we decriminalize the production and sale of a substance that is less harmful, has many benefits, and can be a source of government-saving revenue?” the solon said.