First and foremost, prior to the on-set of the 20th century, cannabis was the cure-all remedy for every ailment that's been known to plague mankind. From glaucoma, Crohn's disease, severe nausea, muscle spasm and severe and chronic pains, marijuana - as it is popularly known - has helped cured, or at least alleviated most of the painful symptoms associated with such illnesses. Now with more advanced research in progress, it still hasn't ceased to cause wonders in the medical front - some governments even legislating pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and sell its laboratory-synthesized clone (bottled-up Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in little spray canisters - which proves the plants' medicinal effectiveness, but are having medical cannabis researchers point out the increased risk of over-dosing; which by the way is impossible via conventional methods of consumption).
As for PDEA's General Dionisio Santiago's "feeling" of decriminalization invoking widespread use, isn't it that even with laws as tight as heinous crimes' coupled with unreasonably heavy jail-time, marijuana is still further out there than the War on Drugs could ever really handle, much less eradicate?
In synthesis, if marijuana is decriminalized, the better number of "hard drug" users (mainly ecstacy, methampetamine and cocaine users) could dwindle into a more favorable bunch of cannabis tokers puffing within the guidelines of the decriminalized marijuana laws, not to mention that long-awaited relief for those in medical need of marijuana's medicinal benefits.
And in case General Santiago hasn't realized yet that most of PORMAL's arguments are drawn from developing/advanced countries research results on studies done with the plant, and that those countries scientific community have reverted every misconception once had about marijuana, then I would suggest he take Philippine medical experts (the kind he doesn't have strings on, of course) to delve into these break-through findings and who knows, he might be able to start, at best, relieve suffering and save lives, and even at worst, restore the rot hard drug use has been inflicting on our society.
Good job PORMAL way to stick by your guns. Really enjoyed the stating of the blatent truth regarding why marijuana is illegal. "Marijuana is not illegal due to i caused many businesses to suffer. "Marijuana is not illegal due to i being dangerous — because it is not. Marijuana is illegal because billionaires want to stay billionaires." This is one of the best ways to let the public know the truth. The uses for medical marijuana is so valuable to many petience all over the world. Hopefully before long almost every country worldwide will have an acceptance and better understanding of the application and uses of medical marijuana. There is no longer any reason why people should not be able to safely medicate without the fear of persecution. Keep up the good work PORMAL.
at least he's listening. that means he can be persuaded. Someone is gonna have to talk dividends to him via taxes on medicine which could be applied to drug free community programs, if he's really worried about drug abuse. also, They have to stay on top of their game and argue for a common goal that the leader and portal want an then use weed as a means to an end.
This time is our history is so interesting with marijuana becoming such a hot topic. It seems the smear campaign against the medical attributes has dominated our society for too long. It's not so easy to keep things hidden these days and it's time for enlightenment on the subject. If people want to medicate with natural plants instead of harmful prescription drugs that should be their God given right.
I think when they use the defense that it will lead to rampart use if it is decriminalized, they should look at a place like Amsterdam. There, anyone can obtain it, but it does not mean that everone does. People will do what they want to do, and if they don't want to touch it then no one is going to force them to.
I always a well written informative article and one that really shows that the entire problem with the very beginning of making MMJ illegal was the reefer madness society that wanted more to control the market than to make something that was really not a problem illegal. We need to hear more of the benefits whenever possible and spread the word. Someday if people keep talking then maybe just maybe enough will actually hear the truth.
As for PDEA's General Dionisio Santiago's "feeling" of decriminalization invoking widespread use, isn't it that even with laws as tight as heinous crimes' coupled with unreasonably heavy jail-time, marijuana is still further out there than the War on Drugs could ever really handle, much less eradicate?
In synthesis, if marijuana is decriminalized, the better number of "hard drug" users (mainly ecstacy, methampetamine and cocaine users) could dwindle into a more favorable bunch of cannabis tokers puffing within the guidelines of the decriminalized marijuana laws, not to mention that long-awaited relief for those in medical need of marijuana's medicinal benefits.
And in case General Santiago hasn't realized yet that most of PORMAL's arguments are drawn from developing/advanced countries research results on studies done with the plant, and that those countries scientific community have reverted every misconception once had about marijuana, then I would suggest he take Philippine medical experts (the kind he doesn't have strings on, of course) to delve into these break-through findings and who knows, he might be able to start, at best, relieve suffering and save lives, and even at worst, restore the rot hard drug use has been inflicting on our society.