Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano re-filed yesterday his pet measure seeking to legalize the medical use of marijuana in the country. He said his proposed Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act will benefit thousands of patients in the country suffering from serious illnesses. "Its objective is for patients to have access to safe, affordable, available medical cannabis prescribed by a registered physician. Recent scientific studies show that cannabis is effective in the prevention, treatment and management of specified symptoms, illnesses and diseases," he said. [continues 92 words]
"Younger children are starting to become players in the drug trade," disclosed Dr. Emma Porio, professor, Ateneo de Manila University as she presented her study during the recent national conference on "Children in Drugs: Effective Community-Based Strategies for Prevention and Demand Reduction." "Children were involved in drug sales and trafficking as couriers and watchers. They are usually used in delivering drugs because authorities are not suspicious of them," Dr. Porio cited. She stressed that majority of them were only 12 to 15 years of age when initiated to drugs for the sake of curiosity and experimentation, linked with search of identity as well. [continues 978 words]
