INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos wants to put more teeth on the bill seeking to legalize the medical use of marijuana.
She emphasized the enforcement of such measure has repeatedly failed in many countries.
Speaking at Kapihan sa Senado forum, Marcos said she appreciates the intent of Senate Bill No. 2573 on medical marijuana contained in Committee Report No. 210.
Asked why she did not sign the committee report endorsing the measure, Marcos simply stated she wants to give the bill more power.
“Dapat higpitan. Lagyan natin ng pangil. Kaunti kasi,” she told reporters.
(Let’s be more strict. Let’s put a fang on it, because there are just a few.)
“Huwag nating kalimutan [na] marami ring doktor na nagsasabing gateway drug ‘yan sa dangerous drugs,” Marcos said.
(Let’s not forget [that] there are also many doctors who say that it is a gateway drug to dangerous drugs.)
According to Marcos, she has a very clear knowledge about the compassionate use of marijuana because she is a glaucoma patient.
She, however, pointed out that even in the United States and Thailand, the implementation of such proposals has become a challenge.
“Palagay ko ay okay pero detalyahin pa natin nang todo-todo para mahigpit na mahigpit siya,” she said.
(I think it’s okay, but let’s put in all the details so that it is quite strict.)
“Kasi hindi klaro sa akin kung sino ang mamamahala, sino ang magpaparusa, sino’ng huhuli, sino’ng magde-determine kung talagang medical, at anong ‘yung gagawin kapag nahuling hindi pala [for] medical use?” Marcos explained.
(It is not clear to me who will manage, who will punish, who will catch, who will determine if it is really medical, and what will be done when one is caught not using it for medical purpose?)
“Ang hirap kasi ng enforcement nyan eh. Nakita ko na,” she pointed out.
(The enforcement of that is difficult. I’ve seen it.)
Senate Bill No. 2573 specifically proposes the use of cannabis for medical purposes “to treat or alleviate a qualified patient’s debilitating medical condition or symptoms.”
“The state shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them,” the bill stated.
“Pursuant thereto, the state shall legalize and regulate the medical use of cannabis, which has been confirmed to have beneficial and therapeutic uses for known debilitating medical conditions,” it emphasized.
“The medicalization of cannabis includes its acquisition, possession, transportation, delivery, dispensing, administration, cultivation, or manufacturing by private individuals or entities only for medical and research purposes,” it noted.
The panel report endorsing the bill was signed by 13 senators.