Medical marijuana costs up to P1.6M yearly

The “compassionate” use of medical marijuana may cost a patient over P1.6 million each year, data from British company GW Pharmaceuticals show.

GW Pharmaceuticals is the maker of Epidiolex, a cannabidiol tablet that was recently approved by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) for use in the Philippines.

The tablet is priced at $32,500 or over P1.6 million annually.

On top of the hefty price tag, people seeking to use medical marijuana must also obtain a special permit from the Food and Drug Administration prior to use.

Despite the roadblocks to medical marijuana accessibility, the Philippine Cannabis Compassion Society welcomed the DDB’s reclassification of Epidiolex.

“Nagkaroon po kami ng pag-asa. Umaasa po kami talaga na makakagamit kami sa lalong madaling panahon,” said spokesperson Donnabel Cunanan.

Watch this Stand for Truth report by Anthony Esguerra to learn more about medical marijuana use in the Philippines. —Julia Marie Ornedo/LDF, GMA News