Both recreational and medical marijuana are illegal in the Philippines. In the Philippines, marijuana is considered a dangerous drug similar to stimulant drugs, and the use or possession of marijuana carries severe penalties. A bill to legalize medical marijuana has been proposed for 2019, and discussions are ongoing for its legalization.
Possession or use of recreational marijuana in the Philippines carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine, and possession of large quantities for the purpose of sale can result in a life sentence.
The Philippines is world-renowned for its strict stance on marijuana, so if you are visiting the Philippines on vacation, do not touch it even if it is recommended to you.
Regulations on CBD are complex in the Philippines, and possession of CBD products can result in penalties.
Medical marijuana in the Philippines
Medical marijuana is illegal in the Philippines.
The government has proposed a bill to legalize medical marijuana and has taken a positive stance toward the legalization of medical marijuana.
In 2019, the lower house of Congress passed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis (CMCM) bill, which allows the use of cannabis for patients with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. The Senate rejected the bill, but it was reintroduced and debate continues.
The bill is likely to be legalized, as influential legislators support it.
The bill allows the use of marijuana for patients with certain conditions and does not allow the cultivation of marijuana in the Philippines.
As a result, cannabis used for medical purposes will be imported from foreign countries.
In 2019, the international cannabis event Invest Cannabis Asia 2019 will be held in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, with the Philippines participating in a conference on “Opportunities in the Philippine Medical Cannabis and Hemp Industry.”
Heavy penalties for marijuana use.
Heavy penalties for marijuana use.
In the Philippines, the past Duterte administration had a strong policy to eradicate drug addicts and dealers.
In the Philippines, the use or possession of marijuana is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine, and possession of more than 10 grams of cannabis resin or cannabis resin extract and more than 500 grams of dried cannabis is punishable by a maximum fine of 10 million pesos and life in prison.
Regulation of CBD is complex.
The position of CBD products in the Philippines is a bit complicated, and in some cases they are legal and in others they are illegal.
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration (PDEA), cannabis and its derivatives are illegal in the Philippines. Therefore, possession, use, or sale of CBD products, a cannabis ingredient, may be punishable by law. Please note that you may be penalized for possessing CBD when entering the Philippines.
However, the PDEA states that CBD is not toxic or addictive and is not a dangerous drug. Furthermore, only CBD oil with a THC content of less than 0.1% is considered potentially legal.
Conclusion
We have introduced the cannabis situation in the Philippines. Both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are illegal in the Philippines. The Philippine government also recognizes marijuana as a dangerous drug, and heavy penalties are imposed for the use and possession of recreational marijuana.
As for medical marijuana, progress is being made with the passage of a bill to legalize the drug. It is possible that the ban on medical marijuana will be lifted in the Philippines in the not-too-distant future.
Regulations regarding CBD products are a bit vague, and the law prohibits cannabis-derived products. However, it is also said that CBD is not a controlled substance because it is not addictive.
We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation as we expect further legal developments in the future.