Business of Cannabis
The Philippine House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bill that would legalise medical cannabis, marking a significant step forward for cannabis liberalisation in Southeast Asia.
House Bill 10439, which was initially submitted in May, 2024, received its third and final reading last week and was approved by a landslide of 177 votes in favour, nine votes against and 9 abstentions.
If the bill receives final approval in the Senate and is signed into law, a comprehensive framework for medical cannabis will be established, along with a new regulator to oversee the market, the Medical Cannabis Office (MCO).
Following the announcement, President of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino party, Senator, and long time cannabis advocate Robin Padella said in a press statement: “The passage of the bill legalising medical cannabis on the third and final reading in the House of Representatives is very good news.
“I am hopeful that its counterpart bill in the Senate that I am advocating – the Cannabis Medicalization Act – will also be approved, for the final signature of the President.”
