“I’m for the use (of marijuana) in medical use but not so for recreational use because I think if people were to argue what about alcohol and cigarettes, well, everything is good but in moderation.” – Catriona Grey, Miss Universe 2018
THIS IS A BRAVE and controversial statement coming from a beauty pageant contestant generally known to be air-heads as a growing number of people perceive these beauty contests as nothing more than shallow meaningless folly.
But we are not here to argue about the relevance of these beauty contests but about the need to legalize marijuana even just for medical purposes.
On a personal note, I am glad that Miss Philippines Catriona Grey won as Miss Universe not just by her beauty and famous “walk.” She proved she has something between her ears.
And her statement on the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes once more proved that there is such thing as “beauty and brains”, including social awareness.
It was a big boost to the advocates for the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes not only in the Philippines but internationally as well.
Excerpts from the Dec. 18, 2018 news reports from CNN:
Duterte will sign any bill legalizing medical marijuana — Palace
President Rodrigo Duterte will sign any bill that will legalize the use of medical marijuana in the Philippines, his spokesperson said Tuesday.
In a media briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo reiterated that Duterte favours the use of medical marijuana and will support any legislative measure consistent with his stand.
“He (The President) is in favor of limited use of marijuana,” Panelo told reporters in Malacañang.
“Logically then he will support and sign any bill that would be consistent with his stand.”
The issue was thrust back into the spotlight after newly-crowned Miss Universe Catriona Gray said she was in favor of the legalization of medical marijuana.
Right now pending on second reading in the House of Representatives is House Bill 6517 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which seeks to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
A House panel approved HB 6517 last September 2017.
The bill still needs a third and final reading for it to be approved before it goes to the Senate and the Bicameral Conference Committee before it is signed and approved as law by the President.
Just to enlighten you people about this plant – yes, marijuana is basically a plant and not a drug – here are some straight unbiased facts according to www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/:
Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including nearly 42,000 deaths resulting from second-hand smoke exposure. This is about one in five deaths annually, or 1,300 deaths every day. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than non-smokers.
And herb.co says:
How many people have died overdosing on marijuana? The short answer is Zero.
Unsurprisingly to marijuana lovers around the world, there has yet to be a single reported death linked to cannabis overdose. In fact, you would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times your average dose in order for marijuana to kill you. That would be about 1,500 pounds of marijuana in 15 minutes.
That’s not to say that taking 40,000 hits is the sole way to risk death while under the influence of marijuana. Smoking 800 joints in one sitting would put you at risk of dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. But, that isn’t exactly the plant’s fault, is it?
According to www.njweedman.com:
“Marijuana refers to dried flowers and leaves of some strains of the cannabis hemp plant, which contains various quantities of the non-narcotic chemical THC (tetrahydrocannibinol) in various quantities. When smoked or eaten, it produces the feeling of being “high,” which lasts a few hours. Different strains of this herb produce their own sensual effects, ranging from sedative to stimulant.”
“Marijuana is not addictive. Most users are moderate consumers who only smoke it socially occasionally to relax. We now know that 10 percent of our population have ‘addiction personalities’, and they are no more nor less likely to abuse cannabis than anything else. On a relative scale, marijuana is less habit-forming than either sugar or chocolate. Sociologists report a general pattern of marijuana usage that peaks in the early adult years, followed by a period of levelling off, and finally a gradual reduction in use.
“Marijuana does not cause violence. The only crime most marijuana users commit is using marijuana. The U. S. Shafer Commission report was the most comprehensive study ever undertaken on the subject. It found that marijuana smokers ‘tend to be under represented’ in violence and in crime, especially when compared to users of alcohol, amphetamines and barbiturates. ‘The simple fact is that marijuana does not change your basic personality.’ The American federal government reports that over 70 million Americans have smoked it … probably including some of the nicest people you know.”
And from a report on the WHO:
Marijuana compound is harmless and should be available, WHO says
A compound derived from marijuana has health benefits and should not be subject to government restrictions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
“Recent evidence from animal and human studies shows that its use could have some therapeutic value for seizures due to epilepsy and related conditions and that it “is not likely to be abused or create dependence as for other cannabinoids,” it added.
The global body’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence specifically examined the potential risks and benefits cannabidiol (CBD), a compound that is found in cannabis plant.
It is distinct from Tetra Hydro Cannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not have intoxicating effects — in other words, it does not produce a high.
Medical marijuana advocates point to that difference in arguing CBD should be available to patients who suffer from various ailments that include pain, anxiety and seizures.
The National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws wrote that “CBD lacks the consciousness-altering properties and abuse potential” of THC and argued there was evidence of “numerous medically beneficial properties” for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, bipolar disorder and other conditions.
Meanwhile the senator from Eat Bulaga Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said;
That under the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the use of medical marijuana is already legal if used for appropriate medication.
A provision under the act states that patients can apply for a “compassionate special permit” from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The permit allows unregistered drugs in the country to be used for medication.
And he was referring to “drugs” and marijuana is not a drug but a plant. Wait a minute, Philippine laws says marijuana is a drug.
“And it’s getting more and more absurd.” (brotherlouie16@gmail.com/PN)
