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Medical marijuana bill hurdles House
By Nidz Godino
“We’re not delisting marijuana as a prohibited drug… tis is not for recreational purposes… law ,Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165 will just grant exemption on list of prohibited drugs,” Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, told reporters at briefing voting 177-9 with nine abstentions, House of Representatives approved on third and final reading controversial piece of legislation aims to allow use of cannabis or marijuana for medicinal purposes.
House Bill 10439, received overwhelming approval from lawmakers, legalizes use of marijuana for treatment of various ailments.
Measure will result in legalization of medical cannabis, but only for qualified patients. It can only be availed on prescription and under supervision by accredited physician.
Bill also establishes Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) that will be tasked to screen medical practitioners who will prescribe use of medical cannabis, along with prior clearance from Dangerous Drugs Board, where physician is excluded from agency’s watchlist.
Barbers clarified once measure is signed into law, use of marijuana by patients will only be allowed upon prior approval of qualified physicians who should meet certain requirements in issuing prescriptions.
Accreditation of qualified physicians aims to control and monitor who prescribes medical cannabis to patients. Medical practitioners need training, clearances and other requirements which are not easy to acquire, according to legislator.
Bill lists following medical conditions that will allow use of medical marijuana: cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, damage to nervous system of spinal cord, patients with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity and epilepsy.
List also includes positive status for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, rheumatoid arthritis or similar chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders, diseases that require hospice care admission and other conditions that may be identified by Department of Health through MCO.
Bill metes heavy penalty on those found faking illnesses or prescriptions to secure cannabis: jail time of at least six months but not more than six years and,or fine ranging from P500,000 to as much as P1 million.
Last February, Barbers panel along with House committee on health led by Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. of Batanes gave green light to the measure, but only for medicinal purposes and not for recreational activities.
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