The House of Representatives approved House Bill 10439 on Tuesday with a 177-9 vote and nine abstentions, legalizing the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The bill allows qualified patients to use medical marijuana only with a prescription from accredited physicians, who must meet specific requirements and receive prior clearance from the Dangerous Drugs Board.
A new Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) will oversee the accreditation of prescribing doctors and manage the program.
Medical cannabis will be available for conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, and PTSD, but misuse or falsification of prescriptions will result in severe penalties.
The bill clarifies that marijuana remains prohibited for recreational use under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 1, 2024
