ACCORDING to a recent survey conducted by the independent think tank Capstone-Intel Corp, the majority of Filipinos support the legalization of medical marijuana.
The study, carried out from August 1 to 10, revealed that 63 percent of the 1,205 respondents are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana, provided that proponents conduct more research and establish strict policy guidelines for access and dosage control.
Respondents also emphasized the importance of increased awareness and education about medical marijuana.
In contrast, 37 percent of respondents were against legalization. The survey also found that 38 percent of participants believed that legalizing medical marijuana could offer a potential solution for patients who haven’t found success with conventional treatments.
Meanwhile, 29 percent neither agreed nor disagreed with this statement, and 24 percent agreed that medical marijuana legalization could bring relief to such patients.
Furthermore, 49 percent of respondents called for further research and reviews to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using cannabis for medical purposes. The study also indicated that 35 percent of respondents strongly supported the regulation of medical marijuana to ensure its quality, safety, and proper dosage control, with an additional 30 percent expressing agreement with this statement.
The push for the legal use of medical marijuana has gained momentum in Congress, with Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Pampanga, 2nd District) and Sen. Robin Padilla leading the charge. Arroyo has collaborated with former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in advocating for the use and legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, as evidenced by their filing of House Bill 7817. (Jr. Amigo/ai/mnm)