DOH Seeks Further Study on Medical Marijuana Legalization

Tacloban City (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) cited the advantage of the medical use of marijuana, but reiterated its call to look into the country’s readiness to regulate such alternative treatment.

Speaking to Tacloban-based journalists during the Family Fun Day on Monday, DOH Secretary Janette Garin said the intention to legalize marijuana is very good for people suffering epilepsy, but there are consequences.

“Are there regulations? Is it doable? What are the safety measures? These are the things that should be explored,” Garin told reporters.

“There will be a continuous debate on this. The medical use is very clear but the readiness of our country to implement it is what is being looked into,” she added.

Under deliberation in the House of Representatives is House Bill 4477 or “The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act,” which seeks the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

The bill seeks to legalize and regulate the medical use of marijuana in compliance with government policy to balance its national drug control program and the regulated use of dangerous drugs for treatment and medication of patients with debilitating medical conditions. (PNA) CTB/SQM