Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte is urging the Philippine Senate to pass a medical cannabis bill before the end of the 19th Congress. The proposed legislation, which has already been approved by the House of Representatives, aims to allow Filipinos suffering from severe conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis to access cannabis oil as a legal treatment alternative.
Villafuerte described his appeal as urgent, emphasizing the need for the Senate, led by Senate President Chiz Escudero, to prioritize this legislation. He believes that the legalization of medical cannabis could provide a more affordable pain relief option for patients struggling with debilitating health issues, including HIV, AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and rheumatoid arthritis.
In his remarks, Villafuerte expressed optimism that the Senate would recognize the potential value of medical cannabis, especially following a United Nations commission’s acknowledgment of cannabis oil’s medicinal properties. The House passed House Bill (HB) No. 10439 on its third and final reading, and Villafuerte hopes the Senate will act promptly on its counterpart, Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573.
As of now, 13 senators have shown their support for SB 2573, which was principally authored by Senator Robinhood Padilla. Villafuerte noted that both the House and Senate bills propose the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) to regulate the use of cannabis oil for medical purposes. This regulatory body would oversee licensing and ensure that the products meet health standards.
Villafuerte has advocated for the legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) oil in previous Congress sessions, highlighting its non-addictive nature compared to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis. He pointed out that CBD oil has been shown to alleviate various medical conditions without the potential for abuse, making it a safer option for patients.
The lawmaker cited research from reputable medical journals, including those from Harvard Health and the Journal of the American Medical Association, which support the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis. These studies indicate that cannabis can help reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, improve appetite, and decrease spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.
Villafuerte also referenced the global trend of cannabis legalization, with over 60 countries, including Australia, Canada, and Germany, allowing medical use of cannabis. This trend, he argues, underscores the need for the Philippines to catch up with international standards regarding medical cannabis.
Despite previous setbacks in the legislative process, where past proposals stalled in the Senate, Villafuerte remains hopeful. He believes the current Congress could finalize the bill before its adjournment on June 13. He emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity to establish a regulated medical cannabis industry in the Philippines, which could greatly benefit patients in need of alternative treatments.
With the increasing recognition of the medicinal value of cannabis worldwide, Villafuerte’s push for the medical cannabis bill reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment. By passing this legislation, the Philippine government could not only improve access to essential health care solutions but also create economic opportunities within the burgeoning global cannabis market.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech