THE Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and 20 other medical societies and organizations yesterday expressed strong opposition to the proposed legalization of the use of cannabis or marijuana for medical purposes.
In a unified statement, the PMA and the other medical groups said they are against allowing greater access to marijuana than what is currently allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“The PMA Coalition upholds the protection of every Filipino from the harms of cannabis/marijuana and strongly opposes the current proposed House Bill on medical cannabis/marijuana,” said the PMA.
“All legislative bills on the use of cannabis/marijuana, other than those approved for specific clinical conditions by the FDA, should not be passed,” it added.
The medical groups said they are against the proposed law since it effectively provides the public more access to marijuana even for recreational use.
They said allowing the use of marijuana for non-medical and non-scientific purposes will pose a threat to citizens, especially the youth.
“The current House bill is de facto a recreational cannabis/marijuana legalization proposal as it positions cannabis/marijuana as a cure for all types of diseases,” they pointed out.
“Cannabis used as a recreational drug, and used as medicine for unproven medical indications, is a dangerous drug,” added the groups.
Instead of passing the measure, the PMA and other medical societies said the authority to allow the use of cannabis should be left in the hands of the FDA.
They stressed that the use of marijuana for particular medical conditions is already permitted by the FDA.
“The medical community supports the use of FDA-approved medical cannabis preparations for specific indications,” they said.
“There is no need for new legislation to access FDA-approved medical cannabis for specific indications. Legislation will not be able to catch up with the advanced health technology, and health technology should not be legislated,” added the PMA.
The statement of the medical community comes days after the joint House Committees on Dangerous Drugs and Health approved the bill allowing the use of cannabis or marijuana for medical purposes.
The PMA is the umbrella organization of some 98,202 physicians in the country.
It is composed of 121 component societies, 8 specialty divisions, 96 specialty and subspecialty societies, and 50 affiliate societies.
In a statement, the Department of Health (DOH) urged legislators to carefully weigh the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana use for medical purposes.
“The DOH recognizes efforts to legalize medical cannabis use, which is distinct from recreational marijuana use,” said the DOH.
“Any such initiatives should be based on the best available scientific evidence, weighed for cost-effectiveness, and public health impact,” it furthered.
The Health Department said lawmakers must consider the regulatory capacity of all government agencies that will be involved should the bill be approved.
The DOH also said it does not support the cultivation of cannabis plants or the manufacture of cannabis products.
And while debates continue on the proposed law, the health department stressed that any use of marijuana is still punishable by law.
“(This is) unless granted a compassionate special permit (CSP) signed by the FDA Director General that would allow its use and importation in the country,” said the DOH.
