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MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers remained wary of legalizing cannabis use in the country even after the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) downgraded marijuana.
Several senators and congressmen were skeptical that the CND’s decision to reclassify marijuana from List IV (the most dangerous) to List I (the least dangerous) would have an impact on the country’s narcotics laws.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III quickly rejected notions that the UN action would result in changes to Philippine laws, particularly the legalization of marijuana use.
“First of all, it was a vote of 27 to 25 and only to go from Annex IV to Annex I. That is not decriminalizing,” Sotto said.
On the contrary, the CND measure indicated that although marijuana may be less dangerous than morphine, heroin and cocaine (Schedule IV), it still remains on the list of dangerous drugs.
“It just means it could have medical derivatives, like opium, but still risky,” he said, referring to ongoing research on cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating compound, which has increased its role in wellness therapies in recent years and sparked a billion dollar industry. .
The House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this year allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but the bill has yet to be addressed in the Senate.
Sen. Joel Villanueva said that while he was open to discussions about medical marijuana, he still harbors doubts.
“Our reserve is based primarily on the ability of our government agencies to regulate its use,” Villanueva said. “Like any other drug, it can be abused.”
Anakalusugan Rep. Mike Defensor, vice chairman of the House Dangerous Drugs committee, warned that criminals can be given “legal cover for the sale of drugs” if the production of marijuana is allowed.
Quezon representative Angelina Tan, on the other hand, welcomed the reclassification of marijuana but emphasized that “it should only be used for medical purposes.”
—With a report from Patricia Denise M. Chiu
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