Senator Robin Padilla is eyeing Israel as a model for the Philippines in allowing the use of cannabis (marijuana) strictly for medical purposes, as well as in preventing its misuse or abuse.
Padilla, who chaired the recent hearing of the Senate Health Subcommittee tackling Senate Bill 230 (Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act), said he gained much insight after he and his technical team visited Israel for a “study tour” last May 1-3.
“Ang ating nasaliksik sa Israel ay isasama natin sa ating balangkas na batas na tugma din sa pangangailangan ng medical cannabis dito sa atin.”
“Kilala po ang Israel bilang isa sa mga bansang mayroong pinaka-maayos at pinaka malinaw na batas at regulasyon sa medical cannabis. Sila rin po ang may pinaka mayabong na pag-aaral at pananaliksik ukol dito. At kung usapin lang din ng law enforcement o pagpapatupad ng batas, wala nang mas hihigpit pa sa Israel. Ang ating nasaliksik sa Israel ay isasama natin sa ating balangkas na batas na tugma din sa pangangailangan ng medical cannabis dito sa atin,” the legislator explained.
The lawmaker said the Israel Ministry of Health and Israeli Medical Cannabis Agency made their study tour very productive, with the Israel Medical Cannabis Agency governing the regulations and permits in the supply chain.
The senator also cited the strict law enforcement procedures in tracking the use of medical cannabis.
Padilla likewise reiterated he is after the use of cannabis only for medical purposes and never for recreational use.
“Ang ating adhikain ay klaro – na ang cannabis na ating pinag-uusapan ngayon ay bilang isang pang-gamot – medikal. At hindi para sa recreational.”
“Ang ating adhikain ay klaro – na ang cannabis na ating pinag-uusapan ngayon ay bilang isang pang-gamot – medikal. At hindi para sa recreational katulad ng nasa The Netherlands at iba pang bansa,” he stressed.
Padilla also reiterated his appeal to the public to keep an open mind on the medical use of cannabis.
“Obligasyon po natin bilang isang mambabatas na punuan ito – na bigyan ng kalayaang mamili ang may karamdaman ng paraan ng paggagamot na sa tingin niya ay nararapat sa kanya, kaagapay ng prescription ng kanyang doctor,” he concluded.
