THE office of Senator Robin Padilla recently expressed its full support for the legalization of medical marijuana in the Philippines (Senate Bill 2573). With the help of global cannabis experts, Senator Robin is pushing for the use of medical cannabis for cancer patients.

The initiative of the actor-turned-senator, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for all Filipinos, particularly the economically disadvantaged, marks a significant step forward in addressing the medical needs of the nation.

Lawyer Rudolph Philip Jurado, chief of staff of the office of Senator Robin, recently welcomed the guest speakers who provided key insights into science, research and transformative potential of medical cannabis.

“It is my honor to stand before you on behalf of the office of Senator Robin Padilla to welcome you to this press gathering,” said Jurado.

“We are privileged to have distinct speakers like Dr. Angel Gomez, Dr. Peter Quilalang, Dr. Gem Mutia and Dr. Shiksha Gallow, a global pioneer in medical cannabis research who will share with us their invaluable expertise in this field of medicine.

“This event is testament to our office’s protective commitment to innovation and collaboration to healthcare. As the Philippines has known the potential of medical cannabis, we have opportunity to embrace its life-changing benefits to managing chronic illness.

“Improving patient care and enhancing overall well-being, with proper research, education and regulation. Medical cannabis is expected to revolutionize our healthcare system and provide hope to countless Filipinos.”

“With this kind of speakers, rest-assured this discussion will be lively, educational, productive and meaningful.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Gallow holds certification as a medical cannabis clinician, medical scientist, neuro scientist and health coach, with advanced degrees including a doctor in medicine and a doctorate in business. She is advancing research on cannabinoid treatments for prostate cancer.

Dr. Gallow is indeed a true trailblazer in the field of innovation and a global leader in the field of wholistic healthcare. She talked about medical cannabis, its science and therapeutics.

She represents universities across the globe and the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in the US.

“The time is now,” insisted Dr. Gallow. “Cannabis has been legal in many countries and if we don’t legalize cannabis now here in the Philippines, we may lose the opportunity.

“The patients need it, science supports it and I think this is the time for the Philippines to actually shine and take over Asia when it comes to medical cannabis to be the leaders in this industry and talk about its benefits.”

Dr. Gallow acknowledged the support of Senator Padilla and the Philippine government for pushing medical cannabis in the forefront of research and production.

“The Philippines can position itself as a leader with safeguarding public health and ensuring responsible use of medical cannabis,” she said.

“We all know what’s happening in Asia. We saw what’s happening in Thailand that opened up cannabis.

“Now, it’s time for the Philippines to get it right. Yes, there were errors made all over the world, but we can use the medical benefits and get them right for the Philippines.

“I believe, Philippines can actually lead medical cannabis in Asia and give the benefits for the patients.

“Cannabis has been used for centuries even before Christ – from 1200 BC to 3000 BC. First US president George Washington was a hemp plumber, as well as (Abraham) Lincoln and (John) Addams.”

Dr. Gallow is passionate about medical cannabis. So why does medical cannabis work? “Did you know that we produce our own cannabinoids in our body?,” she asked. “And without the system, we can actually die.

“In 1930’s we had 300 strips of medical cannabis given to patients. We actually produce our own cannabinoids in our body and that is important to bring the body back into homeospaces.

“A baby that is breastfed is much healthier, so that shows you how important endo-cannabinoids are.

“Cannabis works on a multi-level system, so it’s bringing the body back into homeo-spaces. The gamechanger is cannabis will treat your symptoms and help you to heal your body. What other medicine can do that?”

The majority of the patients have diagnosis on arthritis, back pain, different types of cancer, fibromyalgia, MS (multiple sclerosis), neuropathy and spondylosis.

Many are wondering why morphine is allowed instead of medical cannabis. “From the ‘50s to the ‘80s, marijuana became a victim of politics in America,” pointed out Senator Robin.

“There was a racist campaign against marijuana, racial discrimination against the Spanish, Negroes who were identified with marijuana. It was only more recently that we see racial discrimination, especially in progressive counties, disappearing in the 21st century.

“After doing their research, evidence-based experiments and scientific tests, they changed marijuana into cannabis. There’s something strong in the name. Marijuana pa lang high ka na.”

That’s why Senator Robin did his own research. He went to Israel and Prague (Czech Republic) to see with his own eyes how they do it. “The difference between the buds that make you high and the buds that are medical,” he explained.

“The difference is far. Recreational easily grows anywhere. You just throw a seed anywhere and the plant will grow. It is exposed to all dirt.

But medical cannabis has pharmaceutical grade, organic, clean and grown well. Walang lumot (algae) or moulds.”

Senator Robin lamented the Philippines is lagging when it comes to using medical cannabis. “We went ahead in so many things,” he pointed out. “But we don’t learn from our mistakes. The same goes for marijuana or cannabis.

“Australia and Japan are planting hemp, where CBD (cannabidoil) is taken without getting caught. Yet, here in the Philippines, CBD oil puts someone who purchased it to jail.

“If medical cannabis is abused, Pilipino pa. Kahit kainin niya ang buong puno, he will not die. It is easy to control medical cannabis. We can issue prescription that needs to be followed.

“Once the law is passed, only doctors who know the dosage needed, can prescribed medical cannabis. We can follow the best practices of developed countries.

“The doctors in Prague and Israel are even willing to come here to the Philippines at their own expense, to teach us about the proper use of medical cannabis. That is not about money or faith. That has become their passion, a medical revolution.”

Senator Robin is pleased that majority of his fellow law-makers in the senate are supporting his medical cannabis bill, which is now into interpolation to be followed by amendment.

There are Senators Jayvee and Jinggoy Ejercito, Migz Zubiri, Bato de la Rosa, Bong Go, Coco Pimentel, Bong Revilla.

“Senator Bato has been saying that from the time he was still a cop, he didn’t encounter anyone who smoked marijuana who has been violent,” Senator Robin said.

“Lahat sila peace man. Recreational marijuana will make you high. Medical marijuana will make you happy.”

Robin is pushing for the passage of the medical cannabis bill particularly for under-privileged sector of our society who does not have money to treat cancer.

“Medical cannabis is affordable for them and really effective, which the government can really subsidize,” Senator Robin explained. “I was first exposed to medical cannabis in Madrid (Spain).

“Their cancer institute there has medical cannabis planted in front of the building and patients can simply cross the road and get, subsidized by the government. This is really for our poor Filipinos who are sick with cancer.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio