MANILA — The House of Representatives approved House Bill 10439 on third and final reading, legalizing medical marijuana for qualified patients.
The bill passed with 177 votes in favor, 9 against, and 9 abstentions.
Under the bill, medical marijuana use is permitted for patients diagnosed with certain medical conditions by accredited physicians. The legislation also establishes the Medical Cannabis Office (MCO) to regulate and oversee the use of medical cannabis.
Prohibited activities under the bill include:
Importing, cultivating, manufacturing, storing, or distributing medical cannabis without an MCO permit.
Selling or trading medical cannabis without MCO authorization.
Planting or growing cannabis for research without MCO approval.
Prescribing or administering medical cannabis by non-accredited physicians or beyond one year.
Using medical cannabis without a prescription or exceeding the prescribed dosage.
A similar bill is under consideration in the Senate, having been sponsored in March.
(ia/mnm)
