PNP says people must follow law despite using marijuana for medical use

February 24, 2020

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday said individuals should follow the law whatever their reason is in using marijuana.

“Be it culture or medical reason yet it is still illegal so we have to abide by the law. Not unless another legislation would be considered and enacted, as of yet it is still illegal,'' Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa told reporters in the Cordillera regional office.

“So I am just trying to explain even if your reason is cultural, medical, still the law should be imposed,” he added.

Last week, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) said they are studying the possible use of a medicine with marijuana components to treat certain rare forms of epilepsy like Lennox- gastaut and Dravet Syndrome. 

In a TV interview, DDB chairman Catalino Cuy said they are in the process of approving the policy.

“Hopefully we can get it confirmed by next month’s board meeting,” Cuy said.

“This proposed board regulation will allow cannabidiol to be used as medicine here in the country. We just follow the threshold of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” he added.

Cuy said the drug will be oral medicine. Ella Dionisio/DMS