Legalization of Cannabis for Medical and

Pharmaceutical Use.
(The Medical Legalization of Cannabis Act of
2022)
In December 2022, the national government passed a bill that legalized the use of cannabis for medical
and pharmaceutical purposes in the Republic of the Philippines. The law outlines a framework for
regulating the production, sale, and use of marijuana products. The law also establishes a process for
licensing marijuana businesses, including cultivation facilities, testing facilities, distributors, and retail
stores. It also establishes an application process for obtaining licenses to sell marijuana products.

The law sets forth several policies to implement legalization. First, it sets forth guidelines for how
Marijuana establishments should operate with regards to safety. Second, it establishes standards for
labeling products as “medicinal” or not medicinal and requires that all medicinal products be sold in
child-resistant packaging. Third, it requires all retail outlets to be at least 1,000 feet away from schools
and day care centers. Fourth, it prohibits commercial advertising in areas where minors gather (e.g., on
billboards). Finally, it requires dispensaries to maintain records of all transactions over 250 pounds per
year.

The law states that cannabis can be used for medical and pharmaceutical use. It also allows for the use
of CBD oil. The law also states that there are some limitations on the consumption of marijuana. This
includes not being able to smoke in public, or being allowed to drive while under the influence of
marijuana.

The implementation of this law will involve many policies that need to be put into place before it goes
into effect. Some of these include:

-A database for all registered users of cannabis

-A system for tracking all sales made from dispensaries across the country

-A system for tracking all patients who have been prescribed marijuana by their doctor
The following are outlines for the medical cannabis policy:

1. All patients must have a state-issued ID card and be registered with the state through the Department
of Health.

2. Patients should be over the age of 18 and in good mental health to qualify for medical cannabis. Any
persons under the age of 18 may not use or possess any type of marijuana, even if prescribed by a
doctor or pharmacist.

3. Patients may only purchase cannabis at approved dispensaries or grow their own plants at home, if
they have a permit from their doctor.

4. There must be a patient registry where all patients can be tracked, including those that are out of
state or visiting from another state.

5. Dispensaries are only allowed to sell dried cannabis flowers and leaves, as well as edibles with high
sugar content (no more than 10 grams per serving). They cannot sell concentrates (including butane
hash oil) or other products such as tinctures, topicals, etc., unless approved by their local government
officials (this will include any local laws surrounding recreational use).

6. Dispensaries must be licensed with the state and pay taxes on their business income each quarter
before they can continue selling product without fear of being shut down by local authorities or law
enforcement agencies within their area jurisdiction

Cannabis users are required to register with the government within 30 days of purchasing their first
package of cannabis products. The registered user will have access to a centralized database where they
can track their purchases and ensure that their health is being managed properly. This registration
process is open to anyone who has been prescribed cannabis (including minors) by a physician or nurse
practitioner; however, any patients whose physicians believe they should not use cannabis products
must also register before using them in order to keep track of their usage patterns and ensure they are
receiving appropriate treatment. The law states that anyone who wants to sell cannabis must register
with the government within 168 hours of starting their enterprise.

The law states that anyone who is caught with more than two grams of Cannabis, without a prescription,
will be fined 5,000 php.
Anyone found in possession of more than an ounce (28.35 grams) will be fined 10,000 php.

Anyone possessing more than 200 grams will be fined 20,000 php.

Anyone transporting more than one kilogram in their vehicle will be fined 45,000 php.

If any business or establishment pertaining to the sale of Cannabis for medicinal use fails to register
within 168 hours of starting their enterprise, they will be fined 2,500 php per day until they do so. Any
establishment who sells cannabis without registration is subject to imprisonment for up to five years or
a fine up to 80,000 php per offense.