Asia Enters into Play: The Philippines' New President Endorses Medical Cannabis

The legalisation of medical marijuana is being discussed all over the world. Although in many areas this is already evident, and medical cannabis is being considered to treat various diseases, others still have a long way to go.

Such is the case in Asia, which until now had shown no intention of opting for the decriminalisation of the plant. The Philippines has the opportunity to become the first country in the region to legalise the medical use of the plant.

The prospect arose following a statement by President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who came out in favour of medical cannabis. Duterte will be sworn into office on June 30 and, although it is still early to speculate about the Philippines legalising consumption, he is the first Asian leader to publicly support medical marijuana.

Duterte has openly stated that "medical marijuana is one more component used in modern medicine, and many of the treatments being developed, and even some that are already on the market, contain the plant."

In addition to the advantages that such a measure could provide patients in the Philippines, legalisation would also open up many opportunities in the cannabis industry in Asia, creating jobs and yielding economic benefits.

With regards to the decriminalisation of recreational marijuana, Duterte has been quick to stress that he does not expect to legalise it during his term, and will continue to apply the sanctions prescribed by law.

Although Duterte has been open to the possibility of legalising medical cannabis, he has also indicated that he will leave the issue in the hands of the relevant government department, which will be in charge of discussing and determining the country's position. The president-elect wished to make it clear that, despite his opinion, the legalisation of this type of treatment with cannabis is not entirely up to him.

Although his statements should be taken with some caution, they still mark a turning point in the process for the decriminalisation of medical cannabis throughout Asia. We must wait to see whether the Philippines eventually becomes the first country in the nation to legalise it, and sows a seed that takes root in neighbouring nations.