The Parliament of the Philippines faces the debate on the legalization of medical cannabis

Ever more places are committed to discuss any matter relating to the benefits of medical cannabis on certain diseases. Now it is the turn of the Philippines, where the Health Commission of the House of Representatives has begun to consider the option of legalizing the plant.

Specifically, it is discussing matters relating to the 4477 bill on compassionate use of medical cannabis, which will aim to enable the use of the plant under strict regulations of the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

Within this debate, Eufranio Eriguel, chairman of the committee, explained that a working group will be created to gather and consider the contributions of specialists, governmental and non-governmental doctors and agencies that are interested in the subject.

Meanwhile, politician Rodolfo Albano, the main promoter of the bill, has welcomed this committee stating that many patients are desperate and tired of using drugs sold in pharmacies while "their conditions continue to deteriorate." Furthermore, he believes that the new scenario can contribute to give hope to those suffering severe pain, severe muscle spasms and persistent seizures: "The legal solution to their problem is near."

He has also had words for those families who see their children suffer, regardless of their parents spending large sums of money to try to cure them. In this regard, he recalled that many children who have received a cannabis treatment for their pathologies have experienced improvement. Besides, he has stated that grass is not harmful, unlike tobacco and alcohol: "I am the best proof of this," he has said, as he consumed cannabis during his university years and currently is in a good state of health.