Pro-medical marijuana group welcomes DDB approval of cannabidiol

A group in favor of medical marijuana use welcomed the Dangerous Drugs Board’s (DDB) approval of cannabidiol (CBD) for epilepsy.

Philippine Cannabis Compassion Society spokesperson Donnabel Cunanan said CBD will significantly improve the lives of people with rare kinds of epilepsy.

Cunanan herself has a young daughter diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, Global Development Delay, and Cerebral Palsy who experiences 300 to 400 seizures every day.

“Doon namin na-realize na hindi tumatalab 'yung binibigay sa kanya ng doctors,” she said in a Balitanghali report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on Thursday.

“Masaya ako bilang nanay kasi nga, finally, after seven years na ‘yung anak ko rin makakagamit siya ng medical marijuana kasi hindi biro ‘yung pinagdadaanan niya.”

CBD is a component of cannabis that has been scientifically proven to ease two rare kinds of epilepsy.

Unlike marijuana, which is also a kind of cannabis, CBD has no component that will cause the user to feel “high.” However, CBD will cost a hefty P1.6 million annually. 

Those who wish to use CBD must also obtain the necessary permit from the Food and Drug Administration.

DDB Undersecretary Benjie Reyes clarified that medical marijuana remains illegal in the Philippines as only “compassionate use” is allowed. 

“Huwag natin siyang iko-confuse doon sa raw form, 'yung dahon na hinihithit. I-extract mo lang ‘yung oil... We did not allow marijuana use. It remains to be illegal in the country for both recreational and medical use,” he explained. —Julia Mari Ornedo/KBK, GMA News