Highway to health: A study on the legalization of medical marijuana in the Philippines

• Main Authors: Agoncillo, Juan Paolo, Mariano, Alyssa May
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Marijuana > Law and legislation > Philippines
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8265
• Institution: De La Salle University

A growing number of states, however, have legalized the use and/or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes thereby removing any criminal penalties from doctors who prescribe the drug or from patients who use it within the bounds set by state law. California was the first to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 when it passed Proposition 215, also called the Compassionate Use Act. The law allows the possession and cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes upon a doctor's recommendation. Other countries that have legalized medical marijuana include: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Medical marijuana is a hotly debated issue that affects patients, health care providers, lawyers, and law enforcement officials alike. Because medical marijuana laws vary, it is important to check the specific laws of a particular country. Now, the Philippine government is seeking for more progressive health services and innovation for an accessible medication for those who are in need. As the country upholds the constitutional provision of right to health of the people, Cong. Rodolfo Albano proposed the House Bill 4477 The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. This is intended, out of compassion to help qualified patients suffering from chronic or debilitating medical conditions. This thesis dwelled on the question of law whether or not House Bill 4477 in allowing the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes for debilitating medical conditions is in accordance with the state's duty to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. This revolves around the study of those who will benefit from the health accessibility of medical cannabis upon its enactment into law.