DDB shuns legalization of marijuana for medical purposes

MANILA, Philippines - The dangers of marijuana use overshadow its medical benefits and its proposed legalization for medical purposes will be a dangerous precedent, the chairman of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) said over the weekend.

“Later on we may become like Colombia,” said DDB chief Antonio Villar Jr., referring to the notorious drug trade, particularly coca and marijuana, in the Latin American country.

Villar is expected to present before Congress tomorrow a report on the ill effects of marijuana and counter the proposed bill of Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III on the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes.

Based on Albano’s proposal, marijuana will be grown and sold for medical purposes under the supervision by the Department of Health.

But Villar noted that while he is a friend of the Isabela lawmaker, the DDB was never consulted before the bill was proposed.

Just last week, the board again met on the matter and its members were unanimous in their stand against the legalization of marijuana even for medical purposes.

“It is our belief that marijuana is one of the top illegal drugs listed by the UN (United Nations),” Villar told The STAR in an interview.

“Some say it has medical benefits and that they were cured by it but what about the ill effects of that. It can cure some illnesses but what about the tradeoff?” he asked.

According to Villar, it would be very hard to regulate marijuana, noting that drug addicts and users could just produce fake medical certificates just to avail themselves of the exemption.

“The ill effects overshadow the medical benefits. It dulls the mind. You’ll be out of your mind. It leaves you groggy. You’ll become like a zombie, with red eyes, and out of yourself,” he said.

“Would you like that one day you would come across people in streets who look like zombies?” he asked.