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Advocates Philippines
Sen. Padilla Eyes Israel Model For Cannabis Medicalization In PH
Photo credit: Senate PH
Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla is considering Israel as a model for the Philippines when it comes to permitting the use of cannabis or marijuana for medical purposes while implementing measures to prevent any form of misuse or abuse.
Padilla, who chaired on Thursday the hearing of the Senate Health Subcommittee tackling Senate Bill 230 or the Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act, shared his insights from a study tour he and his technical team conducted in Israel from May 1 to May 3.
He highlighted Israel's reputation for having clear laws and regulations on medical cannabis, as well as their extensive research and studies on the subject.
Padilla also commended Israel's rigorous law enforcement procedures in relation to the use of medical cannabis.
He emphasized that the focus in the country should solely be on the medical use of cannabis and not for recreational purposes.
He drew a distinction between the two, mentioning countries like the Netherlands where cannabis is used recreationally.
"Our objective is clear—to discuss cannabis as a medicine, a medical drug. It is not for recreational use like in the Netherlands and other countries," Padilla emphasized.
Furthermore, Padilla urged the public to approach the medical use of cannabis with an open mind.
"Our obligation as lawmakers is to allow people the freedom to choose their method of therapy that they think is best, and in accordance to the prescription of their doctors," he said.
Padilla, who chaired on Thursday the hearing of the Senate Health Subcommittee tackling Senate Bill 230 or the Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act, shared his insights from a study tour he and his technical team conducted in Israel from May 1 to May 3.
He highlighted Israel's reputation for having clear laws and regulations on medical cannabis, as well as their extensive research and studies on the subject.
Padilla also commended Israel's rigorous law enforcement procedures in relation to the use of medical cannabis.
He emphasized that the focus in the country should solely be on the medical use of cannabis and not for recreational purposes.
He drew a distinction between the two, mentioning countries like the Netherlands where cannabis is used recreationally.
"Our objective is clear—to discuss cannabis as a medicine, a medical drug. It is not for recreational use like in the Netherlands and other countries," Padilla emphasized.
Furthermore, Padilla urged the public to approach the medical use of cannabis with an open mind.
"Our obligation as lawmakers is to allow people the freedom to choose their method of therapy that they think is best, and in accordance to the prescription of their doctors," he said.
Jul 14, 2023
