The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) Coalition on Tuesday, Feb. 13 firmly opposed all legislative bills aimed at legalizing cannabis or marijuana if it is not for medicinal purposes as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

It continued to warn the public that the use of marijuana for unproven medical indications is “harmful.”

"While recognizing the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for specific medical conditions, we strongly oppose any efforts to legalize its use for non-medical purposes," said Leonor Cabral-Lim, chair of the Department of Science and Neurology at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, during a press conference.

The PMA coalition’s opposition stems from concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of cannabis use, particularly among vulnerable populations, such as pregnant mothers and youth.

It said that scientific evidence underscores the detrimental impact of cannabis on brain development during the fetal and early childhood stages, posing significant risks to cognitive function and overall well-being.

Moreover, the PMA highlighted the societal implications of cannabis legalization, warning that it could send a dangerous message to Filipino youth and undermine efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent substance abuse.

"In our capacity as healthcare professionals, we are ethically bound to prioritize the well-being of our patients and safeguard public health. Legalizing cannabis for recreational use would contradict this fundamental principle," Lim emphasized.

The PMA also stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking, advocating for rigorous scientific research to inform decisions regarding cannabis regulation.

Furthermore, the organization calls for continued public education efforts to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with cannabis or marijuana use and dispel misconceptions surrounding its perceived benefits.

"As a society, we cannot afford to gamble with the health and well-being of our citizens. The potential consequences of cannabis legalization are too great to ignore, and we must act decisively to protect our youth and future generations," Lim said.

Moreover, the PMA called on concerned citizens to join in their efforts to safeguard public health and oppose the legalization of cannabis or marijuana for non-medical purposes.