The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which is the lead anti-drug law enforcement agency of the nation, recently started research on the use of medical marijuana. This is in line with the move in Congress to legalize the substance for appropriate uses. It was actually already approved for legalization by the House of Representatives in the lower house during the 17th congress.
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PDEA Director-General Aaron Aquino stated in an interview with GMA News TV’s State of the Nation with Jessica Soho: “This will be a basis ng ating mga mambabatas na in the future in case na ma-approve ito na magamit ang marijuana medically, magiging basis itong research and study na kino-conduct ng PDEA.” [This will be a basis for the future lawmakers in case the use of medical marijuana is approved, this research and study conducted by the PDEA will serve as basis.]
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House bill 6517 or the Act Providing Compassionate and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research into its Medicinal Properties and for Other Purposes legalizes the use of marijuana for patients with debilitating and chronic medical conditions. It will also establish Medical Cannabis Compassionate Centers which will oversee the authorized sale of cannabis to only patients who reach the standards.
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The bill has yet to pass through Senate where it will likewise need a majority vote. Should the bill be approved in Senate the two houses will then need to form a bicameral session in order to reconcile each version of the bill.
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