Medical marijuana part of right to be cured, advocates say

Advocates on Friday pushed for access to medical cannabis, or marijuana, in order to ease the suffering of patients suffering from incurable diseases such as epilepsy.

In an interview with Kara David on News To Go, members of the Philippine Cannabis Compassion Society (PCCS) said that patients and their families deserve the right to choose to be treated with medical cannabis.

Dr. Donnabel Cunanan, whose 4-year-old daughter suffers from partial seizure disorder, a form of epilespy, and cerebral palsy, said that it's a basic right.

"Ibigay niyo po sa amin yung karapatan...the right to be treated and not be treated," Cunana said.
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte earlier voiced his support for the legalization of medical marijuana, describing it as "modern medicine."

However, the side effects of the drug when used for recreational purposes caused stigma to be attached to marijuana.

According to data from the Philippine National Police Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force, side effects of marijuana include palpitations, redness in the eyes, dryness of mouth and throat, forgetfulness, and slow physical and cognitive processes.

But Del Prado clarified that the medicine will come in capsules or oil form.
"Na-develop na siya into an ingestible form. Nadevelop na siya into oil," del Prado said.

"Smoking is out of the question. We are dealing with kids here, we are dealing with patients who can barely move, or manage their pain," she stressed, adding that they do not promote the recreational use of marijuana.

The advocates cited scientific studies conducted by more progressive countries, and cases in the United States where epileptic patients were treated with medical cannabis and eventually got better.

"We have science on our side. If it needs further research, pagaralan natin before we completely say no to this," del Prado appealed.

Cunanan added that those who are against medical cannabis need not use it, but those who want to use it for treatment should not be deprived of that right.

                                                             Source: GMA NEWS