Ignorance, stupidity or hypocrisy

CHANGE is inevitable. Whether we like it or not we have to change, otherwise we become stagnant and rot in our obsolete existence.

Almost always change is for the better and because we accept change we progress. However, there are those in the three percent in this country whose frame of mind still remains fixated in obsolete 1970s slogans and ideologies. We refer to them as “wokes”, pseudo communists and “devotees to the cult of the yellow ribbon”. But today we won’t talk about them as there are others in the spectrum of idiots.

If we did not embrace change then we won’t be using that iPhone 11 or that iPad 3; instead we’ll still be into the typewriter and that dialup analog telephone.

The change that we need to do, especially our government, is the attitude and treatment of probably the most misunderstood yet the most useful medicinal plant, and I am of course referring to marijuana.

For decades we have been misinformed about this plant that is no different from your alugbate and talong. Yes, it is a plant and not a drug. How it was classified as a drug is because of ignorance and racism.

But the rest of the world has finally come to their senses and found out through extensive research the numerous medicinal benefits of marijuana – treatment and therapy for those suffering from epilepsy, autism and cancer and lately, its potentials against COVID-19.

And this is the latest in the fight to decriminalize marijuana (excerpts from the Dec. 4, 2020 issue of the Philippine Star):

Marijuana removed from UN list of most dangerous drugs

The United Nations has now removed marijuana from its list of the world;’s most dangerous drugs.

The UN’s Commission on Narcotic Drugs voted on the move upon the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a 27-25 vote with one abstention, the UN body removed cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which is a document governing drug controls in different countries.

Drugs classified under Schedule IV are fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, morphine and other opioids.

The WHO previously stated that cannabis carries no significant risk and has shown potential in medical use. With this, the WHO has recommended for marijuana to be listed under Schedule I, the next level of control, due to public health problems brought from high rates of usage.

That is good news indeed and a step closer to finally unlocking the medical potentials of this most misunderstood medicinal plant. Unfortunately in the Philippines, marijuana is still treated by the authorities and most politicians in the same level as shabu or meth as it is known internationally.

But that attitude and ignorance is slowly changing, thanks largely to the campaign of the advocates and some enlightened political leaders. Excerpts from the Dec. 11, 2020 issue of the Philippine Star:

Medical marijuana bill filed

Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte has pushed for the passage of his bill that seeks to legalize the local production and export of medical marijuana, but the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) opposed the measure.

The DDB opposed the proposal to legalize the production and export of marijuana and instead urged lawmakers to pass a law that would strengthen government’s rehabilitation programs for drug dependents.

Villafuerte urged the committee on health to deliberate and approve House Bill No. 3961, which seeks to expand the use of medical cannabis “to make it a lot more accessible and cheaper for Filipinos in need of this revolutionary medicine.”

The United Nations Commission on Narcotics Drugs (UN-CND) voted last week to remove from its list of most dangerous drugs cannabidiol (CBD), a non-addictive and non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.

Villafuerte said this development is game-changing and has bolstered the international recognition and commercial marketing of the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of CBD.

“CBD is the medicinal strain of the cannabis plant that is neither addictive nor producing the so-called buzz or ‘high’ for recreational users,” he argued.

As expected, the Dangerous Drugs Board oppose the measure. Instead, they said “why not pass a law that would strengthen government’s rehabilitation programs for drug dependents.”

Well that is if marijuana is a drug, which it is not. Recreational use is not even habit forming and nobody has died from marijuana overdose.

And that is your usual government ignorance, stupidity and hypocrisy./PN