POLICE Regional Office-Davao Region expressed worry over the legalization of marijuana as a medical drug as people may take advantage of it.
“Ang akin lang worry doon ay baka i-take advantage naman ito ng ating mga kabataan at ibang tao na kahit walang prescription ng doktor ay gagamitin nila (I’m worried that the youth and other people will take advantage of this even without the doctor’s prescription, they will use it),” Police Chief Superintendent Marcelo C. Morales, PRO- Davao Region regional director said.
He said lawmakers crafting the bill should consider the inclusion of a provision that monitors the planting of marijuana in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Morales said though he agrees that marijuana can be used for medical purposes, lawmakers must scrutinize the proposed bill to prevent any harm to the public.
House bill 6517 or an act providing compassionate and right of access to medical cannabis and expanding research into medicinal was passed on the second reading at the Congress on Wednesday, January 23.
SunStar Davao reached out to health sources but they are not able to provide a statement for now. (RJC)