Medical MJ sites in Benguet cited
PROBABLE sites have been identified in Benguet for medical marijuana plantations.
“We are starting to identify portions in the areas discovered to have (medical) marijuana
cultivation like in the municipalities of Kapangan, Kibungan and Bakun,” said Governor Crescencio Pacalso.
Pacalso reiterated the province is set to supply medical marijuana as it awaits for the approval of House Bill No. 180, or “An Act Providing Compassionate and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research to Its Medicinal Properties” authored by Isabella Representative Rodolfo Albano III.
“We are still waiting but if that ever happens, the province of Benguet is ready to cooperate with the national government,” Pacalso added.
For the probable sites of plantation for the production of medical marijuana, the governor mentioned there should be a secure area of plantation where limited entry be observed and only authorized personnel should enter.
The province has yet to wait for the guidelines if the medical marijuana becomes law.
“If it will be approved, the province will prepare for the challenge to produce marijuana for the public most especially to those who are actually in need,” said Pacalso.
Meanwhile, Chief of Science Research Specialist Director Technology Transfer and Promotion Division Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) Doctor Melvin Carlos implied its’ about time the legalization of medical marijuana be given consideration.
“In the Philippine context, I personally believe that we should be open to research regarding the benefits of medical marijuana para madimistify din siya,” said Carlos.
Pioneering in the field of research, Carlos believes Benguet and Cordillera has a bigger roel when it comes to supplying medical marijuana.
“Hindi na sikretong may mga taniman dito so we might as well look into this properly and see how we can harness possible measure for the medical field as well as an industry,” Carlos added.
Several countries all over the world have legalize the use of medical marijuana.
“Let’s not leave it in the backburner para makuha natin iyong proper benefits sa marijuana, but it require a lot of study and the proper agency,” Carlos quipped. “There are a lot of studies. They are not organized in such a way that you have a consolidated industry. It is a matter for the Philippine Council of Health once it become a production concern the PCAARRD will aid its assistance.”
The Benguet Provincial Police Office noted a total of 215 marijuana cultivators declared in the province in 20162017, with 100 in Bakun, 30 in Kapangan and 75 in Kibungan.
Benguet PPO has stopped marijuana eradication operations but has continuously monitored the illegal activities sought by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera.