Martinez, Kobe Ranier T.

ENG10 B24
Argumentative Essay

Doctor Mary Jane

House Bill No. 4477 or the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act aims to legalize
Cannabis or Marijuana for medical purposes. The plant is seen as an alternative cure for grave illnesses
such as cancer, epilepsy, HIV and so on. Many Filipinos already asked to legalize Marijuana for medical
purposes, but, as of now, Marijuana remains illegal. If it's going to be legalized, it should be for medical
purposes only. Many will say that there are already cures that exist, but if there's a cure that also exists
and is more effective, then we should go for it.

Marijuana had always been a cure. People from thousands of years ago used Cannabis as
cure. There are also no records that prove that Marijuana is fatal for those who used it. In fact, people
from countries where Cannabis is legal, such as Chile, Jamaica, and North Korea, use the plant to help
them with stress, migraines, insomnia, and so on. According to the National Cancer Institute at the
National Institute of Health in the United States. It has shown “that cannabinoids may inhibit tumor growth
by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by
tumors to grow. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that cannabinoids may be able to kill cancer
cells while protecting normal cells." On the other hand, cancer patients pay thousands of pesos to
undergo chemotherapy, which does not even fully cure the patient so multiple sessions are needed. If we
can grow Marijuana here in our country, it will be ideal for Filipinos who just want to cure their illnesses.

However, it is also a fact that if Marijuana is legalized, there's a tendency that the people
will abuse it. If it's made legal, it can be grown anywhere. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief,
Director General Arturo Cacdac, said that there is a need to first resolve the issue of how the government
would be able to regulate marijuana plantations to ensure that it would not be abused. Before legalizing
Marijuana here in our country, officials should set limitations first.

Even if it has many benefits, it doesn't mean that Marijuana has no harmful effects. The
plant, just like any other drug, can cause addiction. If one consumes marijuana, there's a tendency that
he/she will regularly consume it, as it gives off a feeling of great happiness and excitement, also known as
Euphoria or "being high." If consumed regularly, it may lead to overdosage. However, A smoker would
theoretically have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a
lethal response. NIDA-supplied marijuana cigarettes weigh approximately .9 grams. Therefore,
overdosage on marijuana is almost unattainable.

It is a fact that science spent so many years to come up with effective cures for grave
illnesses. However, Marijuana or Cannabis also exists and it even has better medical benefits. It was
proven that it can kill cancer cells while normal cells remain unharmed. Overdosage on Cannabis is
almost impossible because a huge amount of it should be consumed within a little time to induce a lethal
response. There are almost no reasons why it should remain illegal. Therefore, Marijuana or Cannabis
should be legalized, but only for curing people.
Sources:
http://www.mb.com.ph/should-medical-marijuana-be-legalized/
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/06/09/Philippines-medical-marijuana-pending-cannabis-bill-
House-of-Representatives.html