Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos took a firm stand on having an in-depth study regarding the legalization of medical marijuana in the Philippines.

Despite having proof of its medical effectiveness, Abalos explained during a Senate hearing that a further extensive review and implementation of safeguards are important considering the serious drug problem in the country.

Abalos noted that this is to avoid drug lords and syndicates to exploit medical cannabis.

"Pag-aralan muna nang maigi ito, kasi alam mo nakakatulong talaga, may kaibigan ako na nag ganyan. Pero of course takot din naman ako, 'yung leakage sa baba. Doon ako takot baka abusuhin ito. So we balance both," he said.

A Group of parents appealed the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 230 or the proposed Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act of the Philippines to allow them to legally buy cannabis for their children.

Senator Robin Padilla authored the bill to produce cannabis-based medications which will help cure the following diseases:

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Damage to the nervous system of the spinal cord, with an objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity

• Epilepsy

• Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

• Rheumatoid arthritis or similar chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders

• Diseases requiring admission into hospice care

• Severe nausea of any cause

• Sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea

• Mood disorders including severe anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder

• Recurring migraine headaches