Is Marijuana Legal in The Philippines?

The Philippines has historically maintained some of the harshest drug penalties in the world and treats cannabis similarly to other drugs. Former President Rodrigo Duterte adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards cannabis and its use in the country.

However, recent legislation hopes to pave the way for a medical marijuana program in the Philippines. The Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act would legalize medical marijuana use for debilitating conditions and set up a compassionate dispensary system and regulatory process for patients to acquire cannabis for medical use. However, following President Duterte’s “War on Drugs” policy, the law is currently in political limbo.

Medical Marijuana Laws in The Philippines

The Philippines maintains a hard-line stance on the recreational use of cannabis but, in recent years, has slowly begun opening avenues to medical cannabis access. Even former President Rodrigo Duterte, infamous for his aggressive anti-drug policies, admitted in 2016 that cannabis could be used for specific medical conditions.

A few years later, in 2019, the Filipino government introduced a bill called the “Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act.” The House bill would legalize cannabis for medical use for patients via a valid doctor’s prescription. Since 2019, the bill was passed in the House of Representatives, subsequently rejected by the Senate, and reintroduced as another act coupled with proposals that would set up a cannabis regulatory authority in the country.

If passed, the law would set up a patient registry to prove individuals’ eligibility to use cannabis medicine and a network of medical cannabis compassionate use centers to dispense products. However, medical marijuana still has a long way to go before Filipinos can access a fully legal medical system.

Curiously, the Philippines’ Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act technically permits cannabis use for medical purposes. The law requires that “people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.” However, the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act would further protect patients and set up a robust market for patient use and access.

CBD-based medicines have also been allowed for some Filipino patients in the past. Per the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, all parts of cannabis — including CBD oil and hemp seed oil — are illegal. However, the Dangerous Drugs Bureau (DDB) and the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved patients with severe epilepsy to use Epidiolex as a treatment option. Unfortunately, parents have reportedly struggled with the high cost of the medicine, which totals between $25,000 to $30,000 for a single-year prescription.

What to Know About About Medical Cannabis in The Philippines

In the Philippines, you cannot access medical or recreational marijuana, nor can you bring it into the country. If you’re planning a visit to the area, it is recommended that you leave your cannabis (including CBD) at home, even if you have a medical marijuana card.

Cannabis Penalties Are Severe

Per the country’s law, both the use and possession of marijuana are considered illegal in the Philippines. The government can punish cannabis users caught with 10 grams or more of extracted product or 500 grams of cannabis flower with:

• Life imprisonment
• Fine of up to 10 million pesos
• Potential death penalty

Possession of fewer than 5 grams of extracted concentrate or 200 grams of cannabis reduces the sentence to 12 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to 400,000 pesos. So, less severe than the death penalty (capital punishment) but still severe, even for possession of low amounts of cannabis.

CBD Is Illegal

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency claims that the purchase or use of any cannabis whatsoever — including CBD and hemp — is illegal in the country. Anyone bringing CBD into the Philippines could face severe charges, including a likely prison sentence.

However, the pending medical marijuana legislation may change this, especially following the UN Commission on Narcotics Drugs’ decision to remove CBD from its inclusion on the list of the most dangerous drugs. As mentioned above, the FDA approved using CBD-based Epidiolex as a treatment for those seeking to manage the seizures associated with severe types of epilepsy.

Can You Grow Cannabis in The Philippines?

Cannabis cultivation, whether hemp or marijuana, is illegal in the Philippines. Those caught growing the plant are subject to severe punishment, including fines, life in prison, or even the death penalty. The government will also seize land used for cannabis cultivation unless the owner can prove they did not know of it.

The Bottom Line

Given its zero-tolerance drug policy and punishing consequences for offenders, the Philippines is far from the friendliest place for those seeking cannabis for medicinal purposes or recreational use. The country may eventually pass its pending medical marijuana laws, but until that time, avoid cannabis when within the Philippines’ borders.