Can Miss Universe 2018 Influence The Legalization Of Medical Marijuana In The Philippines?
December 17, 2018, was a huge day for Filipinos.
Filipino-Australian Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe 2018; making her the fourth Filipina to take home the prestigious crown.
This might sound like superficial news, but to a beauty-pageant loving country, it was a big deal. But what was actually significant about it was her surprising statement when asked about what she thought of legalizing marijuana, considering that Canada just legalized it in October.
“I’m for the use of marijuana in the medical use but not so for recreational use,” was her famous response. She didn’t even hesitate when asked the question – she confidently answered it, and cannabis right now is the subject of a very heated debate in the Philippines because it’s an illegal drug, and one that has taken lives.
Philippine President Duterte has spurred a bloody drug war throughout his already-divided country since he assumed presidency in June 2016. According to the Human Rights Watch, there have been over 12,000 deaths due to the drug war as of January 2018. Although hard drugs such as meth and cocaine were his focus, the president has said a few things that show he’s open about the use of cannabis but for medicinal purposes. The tyrant also enjoys making jokes about things that the Filipinos don’t take very lightly. One of them was his recent comment that he smokes pot to stay awake. As expected, the news went viral.
Did Catriona Take Cues From The President?
“Catriona Gray’s position on the legalization of marijuana for healing purposes could have been influenced by PRRD’s stand on the matter or she could have come up with that conclusion after considering the pros and cons of the issue,” says Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo to local news outlet ABS-CBN in a text message. “She is the only one who can answer whether or not she was influenced by PRRD. I suggest you ask her after her triumphant return,” he adds.
When Gray was asked by reporters later on, she responded by saying that the question about cannabis was “definitely relevant” and “an active topic”, referring to the war on drugs in the Philippines.
Regardless of how she came up with her answer, she confidently stood up for her country and will hopefully help propel the legalization of medical cannabis in the Philippines. According to Rep. Ron Salo, co-author of the House Bill 6517 also known as the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act: “We are certain that her statement during the pageant will convince Congress to expedite passage of HB 6517 into law.”
“I am one of the bill’s co-authors and voted for its approval at committee and will continue to support the bill at plenary and ratification,” Salo says. Once the bill is approved, the bill could give thousands of sick Filipinos access to life-saving medicine and a better quality of life.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has no qualms about legalizing cannabis for medicinal use as long as there are regulations in place.
Is The Philippines Next To Legalize Cannabis In Asia?
Drug use in the Asian region, in general, is not just frowned upon but comes with serious consequences. The mostly-conservative region is notorious for harsh drug penalties, but many countries are also turning a new leaf with drug policy, perhaps following suit with western nations.
Last month, South Korea became the very first country in South Asia to legalize medical cannabis. The news was everything but expected. The National Assembly was successful in reforming the Act on the Management of Narcotic Drugs, and following the move, low THC and high CBD medicinal products will soon be prescribed to patients on a case by case basis. South Korea’s old drug laws, like many others in the region, states that smoking and selling cannabis can lead up to 5 years in prison.
Thailand and Malaysia are other Asian countries currently making baby steps towards legalizing medical cannabis. If the Philippines does legalize medical marijuana, it will be a huge step forward as it won’t only save lives because of its medicinal properties, but decriminalizing it will also have a positive impact on the drug war.
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