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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'A big step forward': Alvarez lauds House passage of medical marijuana bill

'A big step forward': Alvarez lauds House passage of medical marijuana bill

Published Jul 31, 2024 09:07 am

At A Glance

  • Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez lauded on Wednesday, July 31, the "good news" that was the passage of the measure seeking the legalization of medical marijuana or cannabis.

FB_IMG_1706068324666.jpgDavao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez lauded on Wednesday, July 31, the “good news” that was the passage of the measure seeking the legalization of medical marijuana or cannabis.

In Tuesday’s session, House Bill (HB) No. 10439 or the “Access to Medical Cannabis Act” was passed on third and final reading with a vote of 177-9-9 (yes-no-abstain).

“This is a big step forward. Yung mga kababayan natin na may kapansanan, kanser man yan o yung mga seizures, pati na rin yung ibang mga karamdaman na makatutulong ang paggamit ng marijiuana para sa pasyente, ang masasabi lang natin ay malayo na ang nararating ng ating adbokasiya,” Alvarez said in a statement.

(Our countrymen who have health conditions, whether it's cancer or seizures, as well as other illnesses that the use of marijiuana can help the patient with, all we can say is that our advocacy has come a long way.)

Alvarez, one of the principal authors of the proposed measure, said marijuana is presently used in other countries as an alternative to painkillers for those who are chronically ill.

It is also used by patients as a relaxant for anxieties, stress, and even depression, he added.

“Napag-aralan na iyan sa ibang bansa, safe ‘yan (It's been studied in other countries, it's safe),” the former House Speaker stressed.

He debunked opponents of the bill who were quick to assert the dangers of medical cannabis, and said that some alcohol, cigarettes, and painkillers are “far more dangerous”.

“Pero ang marijuana na napatunayan na may medical benefits at safe gamitin, bawal. Anong kalokohan yan ‘di ba?” Alvarez asked.

(But marijuana, which has been proven to have medical benefits and is safe to use, is prohibited. What nonsense is that, right?)

In addition, the Davao lawmaker said the House-passed bill could also bring forward the cultivation of cannabis in the country.

He notes that this is a potential income-generating avenue for farmers, local corporations, and the government for tax purposes.

“Totoo yung kasabihang may yaman sa halaman (The saying is true that there is wealth in plants),” he quipped.

With this, Alvarez is urging the Senate to “open their hearts, minds, and feelings” to also approve its counterpart bill that legalizes medical cannabis.

“Napakalayo na rin ng ating narating. Magtulungan tayo. High time na para maging legal ang medical marijuana dito sa ating bansa,” he underscored.

(We have come a long way. Let's help each other. It is high time for medical marijuana to become legal in our country.)

Related Tags

Pantaleon Alvarez medical cannabis MARIJUANA
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