February 13, 2024, Manila – The head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed openness towards the medical application of marijuana, signaling a potential shift in the agency’s stance on the substance.
In a recent press briefing at the Palace, FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate shared his views on the innovative nature of medicine and the importance of being open to new treatments, including marijuana. “Medicine is about innovation. We can’t limit ourselves to the present; the future may bring new treatments,” Zacate remarked. He emphasized his support for providing Filipinos with a broad spectrum of therapeutic options, including cannabis, as long as it is safe and regulated.
The legislative body is currently deliberating on a bill that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes, following the approval of a substitute bill by joint House committees on dangerous drugs and health. This bill aims to allow the use of cannabis in medicine while keeping it listed as an illegal drug under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act or Republic Act 9165.
Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, head of the committee on dangerous drugs, explained that the proposed legislation would create an exception within RA 9165, permitting cannabis in pharmaceutical forms with a prescription. The law would also set boundaries, allowing only accredited physicians to prescribe cannabis for specific conditions.
Currently, the Department of Health allows the use of marijuana for medical reasons under a compassionate special permit. If the proposed bill passes, patients would no longer need to obtain a special permit to use marijuana for medical purposes if recommended by a doctor.
This development comes amidst a broader conversation about the medical application of cannabis, known as “Cannahopefuls,” advocating for its legalization for therapeutic use.