Miss U Catriona Gray’s support for medical marijuana a huge boost to bill —solon

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray's support for the use of marijuana for medical purposes would be helpful in gathering support for the approval of the bill providing for its legalization in the country, a party-list lawmaker said on Monday.

In a statement, Kabayan party-list Representative Ron Salo, one of the authors of House Bill 6517 or the proposed "Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act," said Catriona's statement during the Miss Universe 2018 coronation day would expedite the passage of the measure into law.

"As a health advocate, I support this measure as this will provide compassion and better quality of life to patients suffering from debilitating medical conditions," Salo said.

Health conditions that medical marijuana could help cure include cachexia, seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, or severe and persistent muscles spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis, the lawmaker said.

Catriona was crowned Miss Universe 2018 in Thailand on Monday, making her the fourth Filipino to win the prestigious title.

During the first round of the Question and Answer Portion, Catriona was asked about her views on the legalization of marijuana.

"I am for it being used in a medical use, but not so for recreational use because I think if people were to argue, what about alcohol and cigarettes? Everything is good but in moderation," Catriona said.

House Bill 6517 has been approved at the committee level and is set for plenary deliberations, Salo said.

Isabela Representative Rodolfo Albano III is as principal author of the said measure. —NB, GMA News