MANILA, Philippines — Saying the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) cannot usurp Congress’ legislative power, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 must first be amended before the marijuana extract cannabidiol (CBD) can be allowed for medicinal use. “The DDB cannot usurp the power of Congress to legislate since there is an existing [law] that prohibits its use,” Lacson told the Inquirer in a text message. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which lists cannabis as a prohibited substance. Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also agreed that RA 9165 exempted the medical use of cannabis from criminal prosecution. In January 2019, the House passed the proposed Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act on third reading, but the Senate did not concur, sidelining the bill.—With a report from DJ YapRead NextEDITORS' PICKMOST READ

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer February 16, 2020 20:48 UTC