Legalization of Marijuana in the

Philippines

BSIT-1103
 Legalization of Marijuana in the Philippines
(anti)

In recent years, the topic of legalizing marijuana has generated considerable

debate and discussion worldwide, including here in the Philippines. Proponents argue
that it could provide economic benefits, reduce the burden on the criminal justice
system, and address potential medical benefits. However, our organization firmly stands
against any move to legalize marijuana within the Philippines. We firmly believe that
such a decision would have far-reaching consequences, negatively impacting public
health, law enforcement, societal norms, and the nation's international obligations.

Marijuana is not a harmless substance. The active compound, THC, has the
potential for adverse effects, including cognitive impairment, dependency, and mental
health issues. Legalization could lead to increased use, particularly among young
people, resulting in detrimental effects on public health. Moreover, it may contribute to
road accidents and workplace safety concerns due to impaired motor skills and
cognitive function. According to Stimson (2012) Marijuana is an addictive, gateway
drug. It significantly impairs bodily and mental functions, and its use is related to
increased violence. These are facts. Yet proponents of legalizing the drug studiously
deny or downplay the well-documented dark side of marijuana trafficking and use.
Instead, they promise benefits ranging from reduced crime to additional tax revenue.
Marijuana advocates have had some success in arguing that marijuana is a “soft” drug,
similar to alcohol, and fundamentally different from “hard” drugs like cocaine or heroin.
To equate alcohol with marijuana, however, is both uninformed and misleading. Their
similarities run only skin deep. The National Research Council has concluded that the
“long-term use of marijuana may alter the nervous system in ways that do promote
violence.” No place serves as a better example than Amsterdam. Though often touted
as a well-functioning city with a relaxed attitude toward drugs, Amsterdam is also one of
the most violent cities in Europe. In California, as well, the areas around cannabis clubs
have experienced exponential increases in crime rates. The prospects of legalizing
marijuana in the Philippines come with a range of both advantages and disadvantages.
On one hand, legalization could open doors to potential tax revenue, reducing law
enforcement costs and creating economic opportunities. Regulated marijuana may also
enhance consumer safety and provide medical benefits to those in need. However, on
the other side of the spectrum, there are public health risks associated with increased
use, the potential for marijuana to serve as a gateway drug, and concerns about
impaired driving. International obligations, social and cultural values, and the
normalization of drug use present further challenges. As the debate continues, the
government and policymakers must weigh these pros and cons carefully to make an
informed and responsible decision regarding the legalization of marijuana in the
Philippines.
 Legalizing marijuana is a complex issue with both potential benefits and
drawbacks. In the case of the Philippines, where marijuana remains illegal, there are
strong arguments on both sides of the debate. Here are some of the pros and cons of
legalizing marijuana in the Philippines:

Pros of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines:

1. Tax Revenue Generation: Legalization could provide a new source of tax
revenue for the government, potentially contributing to public services,
healthcare, and education.
 2. Reduced Law Enforcement Burden: Legalization would alleviate the strain on
law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system, allowing them to
redirect resources towards more serious crimes.
 3. Consumer Safety: Regulated marijuana would undergo quality control,
reducing the risks of consuming unsafe or contaminated products available in the
illicit market.
 4. Medical Benefits: Legalizing marijuana for medical use could provide relief to
patients suffering from various medical conditions, offering an alternative to
traditional pharmaceuticals.
 5. Economic Opportunities: The legal marijuana industry can create jobs and
stimulate economic growth, from cultivation and production to retail and ancillary
services.

Cons of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines:

 1. Public Health Risks: Marijuana use can lead to potential addiction, cognitive
impairment, and mental health issues, raising concerns about increased use and
associated health problems.
 2. Gateway Drug Concerns: Some studies suggest marijuana can serve as a
gateway to more dangerous drugs, potentially exposing individuals to other illicit
substances.
 3. Traffic Safety Issues: Legalization may lead to an increase in impaired driving,
posing risks to public safety on the roads due to marijuana's impairing effects.
 4. International Obligations: The Philippines is bound by international drug control
conventions, and legalizing marijuana could put the country in violation of these
agreements, with potential international repercussions.
 5. Normalization of Drug Use: Legalization could contribute to the normalization
of drug use, potentially undermining substance abuse prevention efforts,
particularly among the youth.
 6. Social and Cultural Values: The Philippines has strong cultural and ethical
traditions rooted in conservative values, which could conflict with the notion of
legalizing marijuana.
 ONLYGAS (2023) in their study “Understanding the Pros and Cons of Marijuana
Legalization in the Philippines” concluded that the pros and cons of marijuana
legalization in the Philippines are complex and multifaceted. While the legalization of
marijuana may have some benefits, it also poses several risks. Ultimately, policymakers
need to weigh the pros and cons of legalization carefully and consider its potential
impact on society. Legalization should only be done if it is done responsibly and with
public health and safety in mind.

The debate over legalizing marijuana in the Philippines is multifaceted. While

there are potential economic benefits and arguments for personal freedom, there are
also public health risks, concerns about impaired driving, and international obligations
that need to be considered. It is crucial for policymakers to weigh the pros and cons
carefully, consider the unique circumstances of the Philippines, and prioritize the well-
being and safety of the population as they make informed decisions regarding the
potential legalization of marijuana.

The Philippine Medical Association and various medical specialty societies have
opposed the bill since the evidence on its effectiveness and safety for certain conditions
remain inconclusive or even contradictory. The potential for habituation or substance
abuse continues to lurk over the heads of many lawmakers and medical professionals
(Nolasco 2017). However, the use of cannabis in its medicinal preparations is allowed
based on Administrative Order 4S 1992 or the “Compassionate Special Permit for
Restricted Use of Unregistered Drug or Devices Product.” The permission happened
because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH)
recognized the need for drugs, medical devices, and food products that are not
registered or are in the process of registration in the Philippines. Special permits are
signed by the FDA Director and granted to a specialized institution or a specialty society
to avail of the unregistered drug through a licensed establishment for a particular type of
patient, in a specific volume and period. Permits issued by the FDA for medical
cannabis if the law permits will provide relevant information on the following: demand for
medicinal marijuana; the indication of use; the operation and efficiency of the section in
charge of issuing the permit; what and how long is the process for obtaining a permit;
and what resources in money, human and time are being used to implement the law. In
addition, some of the advocacy societies are pushing for the pending bill to pass. These
societies are groups of advocates pushing for safe, legal, and affordable access to
medical cannabis, which include members who are ill or have relatives who need
medical cannabis as an alternative option for treatment.

The legalization of medical cannabis in the Philippines has to be rationalized and

subjected to critical review because of cannabis’s psychoactive properties and potential
for psychological dependence. Moreover, most studies which assessed the medical
benefits against the costs and risks of taking cannabis are inconclusive (NIDA 2019).
Therefore, a sound risk-benefit management scheme that is sufficiently grounded from
scientific studies must be part of the implementing rules and regulations of the law that
is going to be created. The study aimed to evaluate the cost and benefit that will likely
 result from the legalization of medical cannabis in the Philippines based on the
provisions of HB 6517.

The human rights crisis in the Philippines heightened as the government

continued its “war on drugs” campaign. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency (PDEA), 4,948 suspected drug users and dealers died during police operations
from July 1, 2016, to September 30, 2018. In addition, the government vowed to
continue the anti-drug campaign (HRW 2019). Despite the ongoing anti-drug campaign,
the Philippines House of Representatives considers it timely to legalize and regulate the
use of medical cannabis in the country. On January 29, 2019, legislators approved the
final reading of House Bill (HB) 6517, also known as the “Act Providing Compassionate
and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research into its Medicinal
Properties and for Other Purposes.” HB 6517 states that the use of cannabis will be
legal for patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions, including severe and
chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures including those characteristics of epilepsy, or
severe and persistent muscle spasms (Cepeda 2019). Conversely, the Philippine
Senate Committee on Health expressed their openness in conducting hearings to tackle
HB 6517 that aims to legalize the use of medical cannabis and expand research into
cannabis’ medicinal properties. Currently, the Philippines prohibits the use of any form
of cannabis. The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 imposes punitive
measures for the possession of ≥ 10 grams of marijuana resin (hashish) or oil or ≥ 500
grams of marijuana (Cruz 2019).

According to the Bandiola (2022), Marijuana or cannabis is legal in some

countries like Uruguay and Canada, and in some US states like Colorado. Thailand is
the first Southeast Asian nation to decriminalize the growing and selling of cannabis.
Thais even celebrate a cannabis festival that undoubtedly attracts tourists and helps
boost their economy, especially in the post-pandemic era. Like marijuana, some of the
substances that we are consuming can be habit-forming. These include alcohol,
tobacco, and coffee. They are “gateway drugs” whose use can lead to the dependence
on a harder drug such as cocaine or heroin. The oldest evidence of marijuana use can
be traced back to a 2,500-year-old cemetery in China. Even old texts such as “Ebers
Papyrus” from Ancient Egypt and “De Materia Medica” by Greek physician Dioscorides
described medical cannabis. Cannabis was also used in religious practices such as in
India and is allegedly used as a component of holy anointing oil mentioned in some
parts of the Bible like Exodus. It is important to note that marijuana contains the
principal mind-altering constituent called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the
cannabinoid responsible for the “high” feeling and can interrupt critical tasks such as
driving and machine operation. However, there are existing drug forms of THC, such as
dronabinol, used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to
increase appetite in people with HIV/AIDS. Aside from THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is also
a prevalent cannabinoid and is essential in medical marijuana. In humans, CBD exhibits
no effects indicative of any addiction and some clinical studies suggest that CBD has
broad therapeutic uses, including rare forms of epilepsy and chronic pain.
Currently, marijuana in the country is classified as a dangerous drug under the Republic
Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Despite this,
 terminally ill patients may apply for a special permit from the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for compassionate purposes.
By account, marijuana is not the only medicinal plant that has a history of addiction.
Opium poppy is the plant source of the powerful painkiller, morphine, especially used for
cancer-related pain. Another is the coca plant, which is the source of the psychoactive
stimulant, cocaine, that was once used for anesthesia. Before it was banned, cocaine
was, in fact, the main ingredient in soft drinks.
While marijuana will only be used for medical purposes, the problem when it is legalized
is the implementation of the law. Unfortunately, the Philippines is excellent at making a
law, but not at implementing it. It could be prone to regulatory oversight. The ways in
which medical marijuana has to be approved, prescribed, dosed, stored, and made
available to the public will be very different from other prescription drugs. This will
require a series of research and validations. Even though there is an enormous amount
of research about marijuana from other countries like the US, these studies cannot be
deemed similar to the marijuana grown on Philippine soil. Marijuana plants that are not
cultivated in the same soil and environment would have a different plant chemistry and
will not produce similar compounds even though they look morphologically the same.
Because of this variation, results might have different safety profiles and might not exert
the same therapeutic effects. There will still be a long journey before we see definite
results. Although the training of medical cannabis physicians and pharmacists is part of
the bill, it is also critical that marijuana use should be taught in detail in medical and
pharmacy schools, especially on treatment, dose, and route of administration.
Nevertheless, let us be open to the potential wonders of this disputed plant. If legalized,
I hope it will be patient-oriented and research-oriented, with proper regulation and
taxation.

AUTHORS POSITION

The prospect of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines is a topic that has ignited
passionate debate and discussion across the nation. While proponents argue for its
potential benefits, our organization takes a firm stand against the legalization of
marijuana within the Philippine context. This position paper aims to articulate and
substantiate the reasons for opposing the legalization of marijuana, focusing on the
potential consequences and risks associated with such a move. In the following
sections, we will present a comprehensive analysis of the arguments against marijuana
legalization, addressing key concerns related to public health, societal well-being, and
international obligations. It is our belief that by maintaining the current legal framework
and emphasizing prevention, education, and law enforcement, the Philippines can
better safeguard its citizens and adhere to international agreements. We encourage
policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public to carefully consider the viewpoints
presented in this paper as they engage in an informed and responsible discussion on
the matter of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines.

Health and Societal Impact

 Marijuana is not a harmless substance. The active compound, THC, has the
potential for adverse effects, including cognitive impairment, dependency, and mental
health issues. Legalization could lead to increased use, particularly among young
people, resulting in detrimental effects on public health. Moreover, it may contribute to
road accidents and workplace safety concerns due to impaired motor skills and
cognitive function.

Gateway Drug

Research has shown that marijuana can serve as a gateway drug, leading to the
use of more dangerous substances. Legalizing marijuana may inadvertently expose
individuals to other illicit drugs, further exacerbating the existing drug problem in the
country.
Economic Costs: While proponents argue that legalization can generate tax revenue,
the potential economic gains should not overshadow the potential societal costs. The
economic burden associated with increased healthcare costs, addiction treatment, and
social services may ultimately outweigh any potential revenue.

Law Enforcement Challenge

Legalization could present significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in

terms of monitoring and regulating marijuana use. These challenges may divert
resources away from addressing more pressing issues, such as the drug trade and
violent crime.
International Obligations: The Philippines, like many other countries, is a signatory to
international drug control conventions. Legalizing marijuana would be in violation of
these international agreements, potentially damaging the country's standing on the
global stage and leading to international repercussions.

Social Impact

Marijuana legalization may contribute to the normalization of drug use, which can
undermine efforts to educate and prevent substance abuse, especially among the
youth. It may also send a confusing message about the government's stance on drug
control.

Cultural and Ethical Considerations

The Philippines has a strong cultural and ethical tradition rooted in conservative
values. Legalizing marijuana may contradict these values, leading to social and moral
conflicts within the country.

Our organization firmly opposes the legalization of marijuana in the Philippines.

While there may be arguments in favor of legalization, the potential risks and
consequences, including public health concerns, increased drug abuse, economic
costs, and law enforcement challenges, outweigh any potential benefits. It is our belief
 that the focus should remain on evidence-based prevention, education, and the
enforcement of existing drug laws. Legalization should not be pursued at the expense of
the nation's well-being and security. We urge the government and policymakers to
consider the long-term societal impact and the international obligations of the
Philippines before making any decisions regarding the legalization of marijuana. The
welfare of the people and the country's international reputation should remain
paramount in this ongoing debate.

The question of whether marijuana should be legalized in the Philippines has ignited a
passionate debate, with valid arguments on both sides of the spectrum. In this position
paper, we make a compelling case for why we should firmly oppose the legalization of
marijuana in the country. While proponents argue for its potential economic benefits and
personal freedom, we believe that the risks and consequences associated with
legalization far outweigh any perceived advantages. The legalization of marijuana in the
Philippines is a controversial issue due to various reasons. Firstly, it raises public health
concerns, as it can lead to addiction, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues.
Secondly, it can act as a gateway drug, exposing individuals to dangerous substances.
Thirdly, it could increase impaired driving incidents, posing significant risks to public
safety. Lastly, it violates the country's international drug control conventions, potentially
affecting its global standing. Lastly, it could normalize drug use, particularly among the
youth, which could undermine efforts to prevent substance abuse. Lastly, it could
conflict with the country's conservative cultural and ethical values, potentially leading to
social and moral conflicts. Despite these arguments, the legal framework, which
prioritizes prevention, education, and law enforcement, is considered more responsible
and effective in addressing the complex issue of marijuana use in the Philippines.

Ganal (2016) stated five facts why we shouldn't legalize marijuana in the philippines.
Here are the five facts about marijuana:

1. Marijuana has the highest rate of drug abuse in the country.

In the interview, Chairman Reyes noted that marijuana had already surpassed shabu.
“Kasi madaling tumubo ang marijuana, especially sa mga kabundukan natin. Tumutubo
ang tiyan ng basta’t-basta, and so nahihirapan din yung ating enforcement agents na
umakyat.”
Another probable reason why the use of marijuana surged: people think of it as a form
of herbal medicine.
Chairman Reyes underlined, “Ang kumakalat na message ngayon, ‘Wala naman
masama sa paggamit ng marijuana. In fact, gamot pa ito.’
"And this encourages, as far as my personal opinion is concerned, yung paggamit ng
marijuana."

2. Yes, it is highly addictive.

According to the DBB chairman, the user would eventually have “psychological
dependence” on the drug.
The 20-year research conducted over 20 years by Professor Wayne Hall, an adviser to
the World Health Organization, indicated that "one in six teenagers who regularly smoke
cannabis become dependent on it, as are one in ten regular adult users."
 3. It can lead to mental problems.
Professor Wayne Hall told Telegraph.co.uk that it marijuana can double "the risk of
psychosis and schizophrenia, with withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia,
loss of appetite and depression."

4. It has hallucinogenic properties.

According to the official site of DDB, it can also impair a person’s memory and focus,
making him or her feel "stoned" and in a "trance-like" state.
It can also disarray motor coordination, balance, and reaction time.
5. You can legally possess marijuana as long as you have a special permit.
The Compassionate Use of Dangerous Drugs under the Administrative Order No. 4
issued by the Department of Health (DOH) on 1992 allows use of marijuana for medical
purposes.

CONCLUSION (SUMMARY OF THE AUTHOR’S POSITION)

The legalization of marijuana in the Philippines has sparked a heated debate, with
proponents arguing for its potential benefits. However, the authors take a firm stance
against it, focusing on the potential consequences and risks associated with such a
move.

The health and social ethical impact of marijuana is significant, as it can lead to
addiction, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues. Legalization could also
increase drug use, particularly among young people, resulting in detrimental effects on
public health. Additionally, it may contribute to road accidents and workplace safety
concerns due to impaired motor skills and cognitive function.

Marijuana can act as a gateway drug, leading to the use of more dangerous
substances, further exacerbating the existing drug problem in the country. Economic
costs associated with increased healthcare costs, addiction treatment, and social
services may outweigh any potential revenue.

Legalization could present significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in terms
of monitoring and regulating marijuana use, potentially diverting resources away from
addressing more pressing issues. International obligations are also at stake, as the
Philippines is a signatory to international drug control conventions. Legalizing marijuana
would be in violation of these agreements, potentially damaging the country's standing
on the global stage and leading to international repercussions.

Cultural and ethical considerations are also important, as the Philippines has a strong
cultural and ethical tradition rooted in conservative values. Legalizing marijuana may
contradict these values, leading to social and moral conflicts within the country.
 The authors argue that the focus should remain on evidence-based prevention,
education, and the enforcement of existing drug laws. Legalization should not be
pursued at the expense of the nation's well-being and security. They urge the
government and policymakers to consider the long-term societal impact and the
international obligations of the Philippines before making any decisions regarding the
legalization of marijuana.

In conclusion, the authors argue that the legal framework, which prioritizes prevention,
education, and law enforcement, is more responsible and effective in addressing the
complex issue of marijuana use in the Philippines.
 REFERENCES

Stimson, C. (2012) Why We Shouldn't Legalize

Marijuanahttps://www.heritage.org/crime-and-justice/commentary/why-we-shouldnt-
legalize-marijuana

Froiland, J. (2020) Positive and negative time attitudes, intrinsic motivation, behavioral
engagement and substance use among urban adolescents
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/16066359.2020.1857740

Caulkins, J; Jilmer, B & Kleiman, M. (2012) https://books.google.com.ph/books?

hl=en&lr=&id=6dsmDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=positive+and+negatiev+of+legaliz
ing+marijuana+in+philippines&ots=EdbCVBYO6b&sig=7moWzwa_mZP9eWV5Xwc6B2
cyedA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

Dalmacion, G; Ramirez, P.J; Regencia, Z.J; Baja, E. (2021) Will patients benefit from
the current Philippine Legislative Bill on Medical Cannabis? A Cost-Benefit Analysis
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emmanuel-Baja/publication/356356224_Will_patie
nts_benefit_from_the_current_Philippine_Legislative_Bill_on_Medical_Cannabis_A_Co
st-Benefit_Analysis/links/61966b8f07be5f31b796c6a5/Will-patients-benefit-from-the-
current-Philippine-Legislative-Bill-on-Medical-Cannabis-A-Cost-Benefit-Analysis.pdf

62 B.C. L. Rev. 2057 (2021) The Impact of Marijuana Decriminalization on Legal

Permanent Residents: Why Legalizing Marijuana at the Federal Level Should Be a High
Priority
https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/bclr62&div=55&id=&pag
e=

Sison, M. (2019) Where there’s smoke: medical marijuana and the Philippine war on
drugs https://www.proquest.com/openview/40489af40ac0816adfcf0f2270286380/1?pq-
origsite=gscholar&cbl=5572317

Geronimo, J. (2015) Law students debate on legalizing medical marijuana in PH

https://www.rappler.com/nation/95806-law-students-debate-medical-marijuana/

Bandiola, T. (2022) Legalizing medical marijuana in the Philippines: A pharmacist’s

perspective https://opinion.inquirer.net/157163/legalizing-medical-marijuana-in-the-
philippines-a-pharmacists-perspective

ONLYGAS (2023) Understanding the Pros and Cons of Marijuana Legalization in the
Philippines https://onlygas.co/marijuana-legalization/understanding-the-pros-and-cons-
of-marijuana-legalization-in-the-philippines/
 Ganal, FM (2016) Five fast facts about marijuana and drug abuse in the Philippines
https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/34014/five-fast-facts-about-marijuana-
and-drug-abuse-in-the-philippines