HOUSE APPROVES MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on final reading a bill that allows the use of medical marijuana.

A total of 177 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 10439, with nine voting against and nine abstaining.

HBl 10439 permits the use of medical marijuana or medical cannabis for qualified patients, which can only be availed with the prescription and supervision of an accredited physician.

The  bill establishes the Medical Cannabis Office (MCO), which will regulate the use of medical cannabis and ensure its accessibility.

According to House Committee on Dangerous Drugs chairperson Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers , the use of marijuana in other forms will remain illegal and punishable by law.

Barbers said the proposed law only allows for qualified physicians who meet certain requirements to issue prescriptions.  
 
Under the measure, among the medical conditions that will allow the use of medical marijuana are cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous system of the spinal cord, with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity; epilepsy, 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 the Department of Health through the Medical Cannabis Office.

Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla said the passage of the bill legalizing medical cannabis on third and final reading in the House of Representatives is very good news.

“I am hopeful that its counterpart bill in the Senate that I am advocating – the Cannabis Medicalization Act – will also be approved, for the final signature of the President,” Padilla said.