(UPDATE) THE legalization of marijuana for therapeutic purposes is being backed by majority of Filipinos, a recent study by independent think tank Capstone-Intel Corp. showed.
The survey, conducted from August 1 to 10, found that 63 percent of the 1,205 respondents favored legalizing medical marijuana as long as its proponents “conduct more research [and] strict policy guidelines for access and dosage control.” The respondents also cited the need for more awareness and education on medical marijuana.
The remaining 37 percent were against legalization.
Picture of cannabis plants taken at the Cannabis Expo Brazil, a hemp and cannabis industry exhibition, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 15, 2023. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)
The poll also found that 38 percent agreed that the legalization of medical marijuana could offer a viable solution for patients who have not found successful treatments through conventional medicine. On the other hand, 29 percent neither agreed nor disagreed with this statement, while 24 percent agreed that medical marijuana legalization could provide relief to such patients.
The poll also showed that 49 percent of the respondents called for further research and reviews into the potential advantages and drawbacks of using cannabis for medical purposes.