that allows this substance for medical purpose (Cepeda, 2019). As sought by the proponents from the House of Representatives, to improve the lives of the Filipino, it was never been the same for analysts as they assert that legalizing marijuana would result to a severe drug use whereas this substance will be used in recreation rather through its eminent purpose. On top of these opposing forces of intellect and national concerns, will it really be possible for marijuana to give aid for the welfare of the people or will it worsen the status quo of the Philippines in its fight against the saturation of narcotics? How will legalizing marijuana shape Philippines in terms of politics and governance and medicine?

Medical Viewpoint and Historical Context

There are various ways as to how marijuana can be referred to. Cannabis is the technical term but terms like weed, hemp and pot would also fit perfectly. Marijuana originates from a hemp plant called Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica. This plant can be easily found on mountainous and high areas in the Philippines like Northern Luzon. The different parts of this plant such as the dried leaves and seeds are what people often use in making marijuana and consist an estimate of 400 chemicals. Despite of the large number of these chemicals, there is only one among them that has the most exhilarating effect on the human body specifically on the brain. It is the chemical called THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol which is the reason why marijuana is prohibited and considered as an illegal drug in most countries.
History of marijuana can be traced back in the ancient times which started most likely in Asia around 500 BC. It had a history marked by using it as a herbal medicine. In America, the purpose of cultivating marijuana is to produce ropes and textiles. Before being introduced to Africa, Europe and America, this plant originated in Central Asia. It can be concluded that they had a similar objective which is to benefit from this plant like making clothing and fiber out of this plant. When colonization took place in different countries like in the early 1600s, farmers were required to g