In a landmark decision, the House of Representatives has approved House Bill No. 10439, also known as the Medical Marijuana Bill or Access to Medical Cannabis Act. The bill, which received overwhelming support from 177 lawmakers, including several Ilonggo representatives, aims to legalize the use of medical marijuana for treating various medical conditions. This significant move marks a step forward in providing alternative treatment options for patients in need.
Ilonggo lawmakers have shown strong support for the Medical Marijuana Bill. Iloilo 2nd District Rep. Michael Gorriceta emphasized the benefits of medical cannabis for patients requiring alternative treatments. He expressed confidence that the stringent regulations outlined in the bill would prevent abuse. Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor also backed the bill, highlighting the importance of supervision in its implementation. Meanwhile, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron clarified that his support was strictly for medical use and not for local cultivation.
Former Department of Health Secretary and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin voted in favor of the bill, citing the significant help cannabis provides for patients with seizure disorders. However, she raised concerns about potential local cultivation and stressed the need for government regulation to prevent misuse. Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel also supported the bill but shared concerns about potential abuse, urging consideration of numerous studies on medical marijuana.
Stringent Regulations and Safeguards
The Medical Marijuana Bill includes stringent regulations to ensure the safe and controlled use of medical cannabis. Only qualified patients diagnosed by accredited physicians will be eligible for medical cannabis treatment. The bill proposes the establishment of a Medical Cannabis Office responsible for issuing prescriptions after verifying that the prescribing doctor is not listed on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s watch list. This office will also oversee the accreditation of doctors to prescribe medical cannabis, ensuring they have the necessary training and clearances.
Medical conditions eligible for cannabis treatment under the bill include cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, intractable spasticity, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders, hospice care, and other conditions identified by the Department of Health. The bill also outlines penalties for individuals who falsify illnesses or prescriptions to obtain cannabis, including imprisonment and fines.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The approval of the Medical Marijuana Bill by the House of Representatives is a significant milestone, but it is only the beginning. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to become law. If enacted, the bill will provide a legal framework for the use of medical cannabis, offering new hope for patients with debilitating conditions.
However, the implementation of the bill will require careful monitoring and regulation to prevent misuse and ensure that medical cannabis is used safely and effectively. Lawmakers and healthcare professionals will need to work together to establish clear guidelines and protocols for the prescription and use of medical cannabis. Public awareness and education will also be crucial in addressing misconceptions and ensuring that patients and healthcare providers understand the benefits and risks associated with medical cannabis.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
