The conversation surrounding medical marijuana in the Philippines has steadily gained momentum, fueled by families seeking alternative treatments for debilitating conditions and the promise of compassionate care. House Bill No. 6517, known as the Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, has re-entered public discourse as a beacon of hope for countless patients and their families. Authored by Isabela First District Congressman Rodolfo Albano III, the bill seeks to legalize and regulate the use of medical cannabis for qualified patients. With its potential to alleviate suffering and offer new treatment options, the bill stands at the intersection of compassion and controversy.

Formerly known as House Bill 180, the proposed legislation has undergone years of deliberation, integrating feedback from key stakeholders, including the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Compassionate Cannabis Society (PCCS), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Despite widespread support from families, healthcare professionals, and lawmakers, its passage remains an uphill battle. The bill’s journey underscores the complex interplay of science, politics, and public perception in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

The story of Igi Takasan: a mother’s hope

Behind the push for medical cannabis lies the heartbreaking story of Andre Luigi “Igi” Takasan, a seven-year-old boy diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in 2016. Igi’s battle with the disease led his mother to explore unconventional treatments, driven by desperation and love.

While undergoing chemotherapy at Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), Igi’s mother met a 12-year-old girl whose recovery from cancer was attributed to medical marijuana. The girl’s resilience gave her hope, but accessing cannabis legally in the Philippines was impossible. With limited options, she turned to unregulated sources to obtain marijuana, preparing it as a tea for her son. The results were astonishing: Igi’s white blood cell count normalized, swelling subsided, and his appetite returned. For a brief moment, there was hope.

However, the illegal and unreliable supply of cannabis cut this hope short. When the supply ran out, Igi’s health deteriorated rapidly. On December 2, 2016, Igi passed away. His mother’s grief turned into advocacy as she joined Moms for Medical Marijuana, a collective of mothers calling for the legalization of medical cannabis. “No child should be taken away from this Earth ahead of their time,” she lamented. Her story has become a rallying cry for change, underscoring the urgent need for legal, safe, and regulated access to medical cannabis.

House Bill No. 6517: what it proposes

If enacted, House Bill No. 6517 would establish a regulatory framework for the use of medical cannabis in the Philippines. It proposes the creation of Medical Cannabis Compassionate Centers (MCCCs), licensed by the DOH, as the sole dispensaries for medical cannabis. These centers would provide cannabis to patients suffering from debilitating conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other chronic illnesses.

Under the bill, cannabis cultivation would be tightly regulated. Only MCCCs would be authorized to grow the plant in enclosed, secure locations. Physicians prescribing medical cannabis would be required to maintain a bona fide physician-patient relationship, conducting thorough assessments and monitoring treatment efficacy. The bill aims to strike a balance between providing compassionate care and preventing abuse. The PCCS, a leading advocate of the bill, highlights its importance for patients who have exhausted traditional treatment options. By establishing clear guidelines and safeguards, the bill seeks to address public concerns while prioritizing patient welfare.

Challenges and developments in the Philippines

Despite its promise, House Bill 6517 faces significant hurdles. Opposition from influential leaders, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, has hindered its progress. Duterte’s stance on medical marijuana has been inconsistent, shifting from support for regulated use to outright rejection. His claim that legalization could lead to widespread abuse reflects broader societal hesitancy and misinformation surrounding cannabis.

Nonetheless, advocacy groups remain undeterred. As of 2025, the bill has garnered 112 co-authors in Congress and support from agencies such as the DOH and PDEA. Local government units in Benguet, where cannabis grows abundantly, have also expressed support for a regulated framework. Advocates are now calling for renewed discussions in Congress, urging lawmakers to consider the bill’s potential to improve healthcare outcomes and align the Philippines with global trends.

Global movements: lessons from abroad

The Philippines’ debate over medical cannabis unfolds against a backdrop of global policy shifts. As of 2025, more than 40 countries have legalized medical marijuana, recognizing its therapeutic potential. Thailand, for instance, has emerged as a pioneer in Southeast Asia, decriminalizing cannabis for both medical and economic purposes. The Thai government has embraced cannabis not only as a treatment option but also as a driver of agricultural growth and tourism.

In the United States, medical cannabis is legal in 38 states, where patients use it to manage chronic pain, epilepsy, and cancer-related symptoms. Studies from these states highlight the economic and healthcare benefits of legalization. Closer to home, Malaysia is reconsidering its cannabis policies, suggesting a potential regional shift in attitudes toward the plant. These international examples offer valuable lessons. By adopting a regulated approach, the Philippines could address public health concerns while tapping into the economic potential of a burgeoning global industry.

The path forward

The Philippine Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act represents more than legislation; it embodies the hopes of families who have lost loved ones and the determination of advocates fighting for compassionate care. Stories like Igi’s underscore the urgency for action, reminding lawmakers of the lives at stake. Advocacy groups like the PCCS and Moms for Medical Marijuana continue to push for the bill’s passage, armed with evidence of medical cannabis’ efficacy and growing public support. Recent surveys show a gradual shift in public opinion, with more Filipinos recognizing its potential benefits.

Yet the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Stigma, misinformation, and political resistance continue to threaten progress. To overcome these barriers, advocates must prioritize education and awareness, highlighting the science behind medical cannabis and its life-changing potential.

As the Philippines stands at a crossroads, the question remains: will the nation embrace compassion as a pillar of its healthcare system, or let fear and stigma dictate policy? The answer lies not only in Congress but in the collective will of a society ready to prioritize the well-being of its most vulnerable members.

Passing House Bill No. 6517 would mark a pivotal step toward a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system. It would provide hope to thousands of patients, honor the efforts of tireless advocates, and position the Philippines as a leader in compassionate care in Southeast Asia. The time for change is now—for Igi, for his family, and for countless others who deserve a better quality of life.