Marijuana, scientifically known as Cannabis Sativa, is an illegal drug that is one of the most used drugs in the Philippines, second to Methamphetamine or shabu in layman’s term. The use of the former same as with the latter is highly punishable in the Philippines by the power of Republic Act 6425 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 which details punishment on the transport, farming, selling or pushing, possession and use of the substance. The punishment may either be life imprisonment or fine, or both. It is also in this act that empowered the restriction of marijuana as it enabled the establishment of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency which is the frontrunner in obliterating this substance in the mainstream and enforcing the law to whoever is deemed guilty.

However, in an optimist point of view, marijuana pushes a leap in medical treatment or practice as it is proven by multiple scientific studies to treat debilitating series of reactions caused by a certain impairment. As an argument from the medical practitioners, legalizing marijuana will be a breakthrough in their field because this particular substance can heal and improve the treatment of illnesses. (Clark, Capuzzi & Fick, 2011).

Meanwhile, for such reason, solons from the House of Representatives see it high time for Marijuana to be legalized in the country. With the vote 163-5-3, the House moved to the final reading of the House Bill 6517 or the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act that objectifies to decriminalize the use of marijuana and pave the way for a country 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