Health advocate underscores 'real danger' in medical cannabis legalization in PH

A health reform advocate has emphasized the dangers of legalizing medical cannabis in the country, noting the need for adequate government regulation and the presence of strong, credible, and trustworthy institutions.

In a social media post on Thursday, Dr. Tony Leachon, a former Philippine COVID-19 National Task Force adviser, said legalizing medical cannabis eas a window to addiction and a threat to public safety.

“Poverty, weak police services, and a fragile justice system make abuse almost certain. Online access and indiscriminate planting will only fuel crime and erode trust,” he shared.

He also echoed the statement issued by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), saying that legalization outside Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved use would bring significant risks to public health and harm to vulnerable groups.

The PMA postd four points, namely: 

Unverified, unregulated substances risk public health.

R.A. 9165 already allows controlled medical use.

Cannabis harms vulnerable groups—especially youth and pregnant mothers.

Legalization sends the wrong message, undermining healthy lifestyles.

“Without strong institutions and a culture of safety, legalization risks becoming a national disaster—not a breakthrough,” he said.

The statement followed after the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs and the Senate Committee on Health approved a consolidated bill seeking to legalize medical cannabis on Thursday.

Leachon said that this decision “exposed the weakness of our Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies.”

"To those who argue that legalizing medical cannabis will regulate its use and prevent black market sales, I say this: regulation only works if institutions are strong, credible, and trustworthy," he said.

Leachon took note of the health benefits from cannabis but "rigorous, independent scientific evaluation, not anecdotal testimonies or commercial lobbying."

"The real danger is this: legalization without strong regulation will not eliminate the black market—it will legitimize unsafe practices, confuse the public, and open the door to exploitation," he said.

"Patients deserve evidence-based care, not experiments driven by weak institutions and political pressure," he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) sent their 2024 statement on the legalization of medical cannabis to reiterate their stand on the matter.

On February 2024, the agency recognizes the difference between medical cannabis use and recreational marijuana use, they did not support the cultivation of cannabis plants or manufacture of cannabis products.

“Any such initiatives should be based on the best available scientific evidence, weighed for cost-effectiveness and public health impact. Legislation should also consider the regulatory capacity of all government agencies that will be involved should there be approval,” said the Health Department.

They have yet to issue an updated statement.

House Bill 10439 permits the use of medical marijuana or medical cannabis for qualified patients was approved on a third and final reading in July 2024, but no further movement had been done afterwards. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News