THE Philippine Medical Association and 16 other medical groups yesterday aired their opposition to the legalization of medical cannabis in the country, saying it poses more harm than good.
In a position paper read by Dr. Antonio Leachon before the Senate sub-committee on health and demography hearing, the groups said the medical community “is steadfast in its stand to first do no harm” to patients who will try medical cannabis as an alternative medication.
“The fact that cannabis is a natural substance and its use becoming permissible in other countries does not mean it is harmless. Cannabis is harmful and can cause potentially fatal adverse drug reaction and drug interactions. It is dangerous to the developing brain, and it can cause neurocognitive, psychiatric and behavioral problems,” the groups said.
The groups pointed out that there is little evidence for many of the safety and medical claims regarding the use of medical cannabis. They added the evidence showed there are short and long-term effects.
They said the use of cannabis for medical conditions with no evidence of efficacy and safety will expose citizens “to unnecessary health harms and therefore cannot be supported by the medical community.”
“The legalization of medical cannabis is therefore detrimental to public health and safety. We strongly oppose SB No. 230. SB 230 is contrary to the interest of public safety and the common good. SB 230 undermines the institutions we have established to safeguard the health and safety of our citizens,” they added.
SB No. 230, filed by Sen. Robin Padilla last July 7, seeks to legalize the use of medical cannabis as an alternative means of medical treatment.
The groups presented clinical studies on the use of medical cannabis which showed it is not that effective to treat several illnesses, adding its efficacy is limited to epilepsy.
“The scientific evidence of the efficacy and safety of medical cannabis is only limited to the use of pharmaceutical grade Cannabidiol (Epidiolex/Epidyolex) in the control of difficult to treat seizures in Dravet Syndrome, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and the use of pharmaceutical grade Nabiximol, a 1:1 preparation of Cannabidiol: Tetrahydrocannabinol (Sativex) in the alleviation of spasticity in multiple sclerosis,” the groups said.
They said there is no need to pass a new measure to grant access to medical cannabis and expand research on its medicinal value since there are existing laws on the use of medical cannabis as provided under RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 and with the Food and Drug Administration.
They said enacting a measure will require the diversion of funds from other health priorities, especially at this time when the country is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19.
On the social and public health aspects, they said the use of cannabis has increased incidents of traffic accidents and social burden of impaired social and occupational function.
“Clearly, the risk of cannabis use for debilitating medical conditions with unconfirmed benefits, in light of the known adverse effects of cannabis poses more harm, and therefore cannot be supported by the medical community,” they added.
They said the use of medical cannabis “can lead to potential diversion for recreational use” since marijuana is readily available in the country and its medical use “will potentially open the doors to illegal diversion of cannabis for recreational use, thus exposing Filipinos to drug abuse.”
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said that while there are existing laws allowing the compassionate use of medical cannabis in the country, only few avail of it since it is very costly.
He said he is pushing for the passage of the measure so that investors may come in to locally produce the alternative medication, which will make it affordable to many but it needs to be regulated so it will not be abused.
After listening to those who oppose its legalization, Dela Rosa said: “I need more time to evaluate.”
