MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) asserted that the agency is still opposed to the cultivation of marijuana and the manufacturing of cannabis products in the country despite efforts to use it in medical procedures.
“The DOH does not support either the cultivation of cannabis plants or the manufacture of the cannabis products,” according to the agency.
This is after the passage of the Congressional bill on the use of cannabis as medicine.
The DOH explained that they recognize the plan to legalize Medical Cannabis, which they clarified is different from “recreational marijuana”. But all these initiatives should be based on scientific evidence, its effectiveness and impact on public health.
“Legislation should also consider the regulatory capacity of all government agencies that will be involved should there be approval,” the DOH said.
Currently, the DOH reminded that the law still prohibits the use of any type of marijuana, unless a “compassionate special permit (CSP)” is granted from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) that will allow its use and importation.
“We shall keep the public updated should there be developments in the use of Medical Cannabis,” the agency added.
