More than half of Filipinos support the legalization of medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes and believe that it could provide relief to patients that conventional medicine failed.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by Capstone-Intel Corp. from August 1-10, 2023, 63% of Filipinos are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.
The survey had 1,205 respondents between the age of 18 and 75 years old.
According to Capstone-Intel, support for medical marijuana is strongest in the Davao region with 71% saying they were in favor of legalizing it, followed by Soccsargen with 69% and the National Capital Region at 68%.
Opposition to it was strongest in the Ilocos region with 58% of respondents saying they were against it.
Some 62% agree that the legalization of medical marijuana could provide relief to patients that conventional medicine has failed but 84% said more research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of medical marijuana.
Some 85% said the use of medical marijuana should be regulated to ensure quality, safety, and dosage control and 83% said it should be restricted to those with documented medical conditions or symptoms.
Some 85% said there is a need to increase awareness on the issue of legalizing marijuana.
