SENATOR JV Ejercito has expressed support for a bill seeking to allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
"If it will improve the conditions of any patient to prolong life specially of cancer patients and people with epileptic conditions, then I am open to it," Ejercito said.
RELATED: PDEA Backs Philippines Medical Marijuana Bill, Sets Conditions
Marijuana, or Cannabis sativa, is currently classified as a prohibited drug in the Philippines. The proposed "Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act," or House Bill No. 180, seeks to allow the use of marijuana for pain relief and other medicinal purposes.
"There have been studies in the United States pertaining to the use of marijuana wherein some states have allowed the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes but for our country, I am only in favor of medicinal and not for recreational purposes," Ejercito said.
Top image: © Steve Allen | Dreamstime.com