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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LOOK: Marijuana decriminalization backers munch on brownies during meeting

LOOK: Marijuana decriminalization backers munch on brownies during meeting

Published Feb 27, 2023 05:17 pm

Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez led on Monday, Feb. 27 a meeting in the House of Representatives with fellow advocates of the decriminalization of the use of cannabis or marijuana.

Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (middle, in blue) enjoys brownies with his fellow advocates on the decriminalization of marijuana at the House of Representatives on Feb.23, 2023.

Joining the former House Speaker in the meeting were doctors, lawyers, senior citizens, and artists.

In between discussions, the participants snacked on brownies, as seen in this photo. Alvarez's office made sure to clarify that the brownies were bought from a major pastry store chain as opposed to being made from a custom recipe.

Alvarez has filed in the 19th Congress House Bill (HB) No.6783, which seeks to remove marijuana and any form or derivative of the substance from the list of dangerous drugs and substances under existing laws.

One such law is Republic Act (RA) No.9165, or the Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

Those in attendance in the meeting with Alvarez were Dr. Donnabel Trias-Cunanan, president, Cannahopefuls Inc.; Dr. Peter Flores-Quilala of the Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine; Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal of the Philippine Psychiatric Association;. lawyer Henrie Enaje of MedCann Party-list; Maria Guadalyn Reyes, chairperson, Sensible Philippines, Inc.; Ma. Louella Manansala, co-convenor, Seniors for MedCan PH; Chuck Manansala, President, Masikhay Research; Lea Fullon, program director, Haraya Policy Center; Roy Soria,of 420 Philippines; Joven Glipa,of Hemp Movement; and Jj Villanueva of Canna Phala Philippines.

Despite their diversity and differences in background, they all agreed that it was high time to push for the removal of cannabis and its derivatives from the list of dangerous drugs.

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Alvarez's office boasted that the Facebook communities of the participants have a broad reach, a total of roughly 526,326 followers.

Should members of Congress answer the clamor to decriminalize marijuana, the additional funds can be used for the Marcos administration’s "Build, Better, More" program, which is the follow through of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s "Build, Build, Build initiative. Social services can also be funded, along with payment of the huge debt the Philippines has, Alvarez said.

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