The survey, conducted from August 1 to 10, found that 63 percent of the 1,205 respondents favored legalizing medical marijuana as long as its proponents "conduct more research [and] strict policy guidelines for access and dosage control." The respondents also cited the need for more awareness and education on medical marijuana. On the other hand, 29 percent neither agreed nor disagreed with this statement, while 24 percent agreed that medical marijuana legalization could provide relief to such patients. The legal use of medical marijuana in the country gained ground in Congress, with Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Pampanga, 2nd District) and Sen. Robin Padilla as its main advocates. Padilla backs Senate Bill 230 (Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act), where he cites Israel as a good example of using medical cannabis due to its stringent rules and regulations.

Source: Manila Times September 17, 2023 12:10 UTC