Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday stated that any initiative to legalize the use of medical cannabis must be based on sound scientific evidence, cost-effectiveness, and public health impact.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOH acknowledged ongoing efforts to legalize medical cannabis use, emphasizing that it is different from recreational marijuana use. The department highlighted the need for legislation to consider the regulatory capacity of all government agencies that would be involved in case of approval. However, the DOH does not support either the cultivation of Cannabis plants or the manufacture of Cannabis products.

The department also reminded the public that marijuana use remains punishable under existing laws unless covered by a compassionate special permit (CSP) issued by the Food and Drug Administration director general, allowing its use and importation in the country. The DOH assured the public that updates would be provided should there be developments in the use of medical cannabis.

On Tuesday, the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, along with the Committee on Health, once again approved a consolidated bill aiming to medicalize cannabis. The proposal includes compassionate access to medical cannabis, expanded research, and the establishment of a regulatory framework for its medical use. Under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, activities related to marijuana remain punishable. Cannabis is also listed under Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, restricting its production, manufacture, export, import, distribution, and possession exclusively to medical and scientific purposes. The measure has been filed in previous Congresses but has yet to become law.