Mc Richard Paglicawan
Senator Robin Padilla has opened up about his past addiction to Demerol, a pain-relieving medication, as he advocates for the legalization of medical cannabis in the Philippines.
His proposal, Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573, or the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, aims to provide affordable and effective treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain and other illnesses.
Padilla has been a long-time proponent of medical cannabis, but the bill has faced resistance in previous Senate sessions.
“Sa matagal na panahon po lagi po itong umaabot ng third reading sa House pero pagdating po sa Senate hindi po ito tumatakbo. Siguro po dahil sa generation gap dahil matagal sa panahon na ‘yung mga nakaupo din sa ating Senado, sa atin pong mataas na Kapulungan ay medyo nakatatanda,” Padilla explained during a press conference on Thursday.
He expressed optimism about the bill’s progress, noting that the current Senate has younger members who better understand the medical potential of cannabis.
“Ang mga nakaupo po ngayon na mga senador ay mas ka-edad po natin, mas naiintindihan na po nila kung ano ang benepisyo ng cannabis. Kaya po ngayon umabot na po kami sa interpellation,” he said.
Padilla shared that his advocacy is deeply personal, stemming from his own health challenges as a former stuntman.
“Alam mo naman, stuntman din tayo noong araw. So, I have a broken back, broken neck, mga sunog, lahat. So, ang ibinibigay sa akin ng doktor ay Demerol o ‘yung morphine tab,” he admitted.
“Siyempre, na-experience natin ‘yung recreational noong araw pa. Hindi naman tayo nagsisinungaling, ano? That is why I’m the Bad Boy of Philippine movies (tawag sa kanya noon). We experienced everything,” he added.
He credited his time in prison for helping him overcome his dependency and emphasized the need for safer alternatives like medical cannabis.
Padilla recounted his visits to Israel and Prague, where he witnessed how medical cannabis is integrated into healthcare systems.
“When I went to Israel, I went to the lab (laboratory), they showed me the difference between recreational and medicinal cannabis. Kasi alam n’yo ‘yung recreational, kahit saan lang ‘yan. Pero iba po ang medical, malinis, lahat. In-explain po nila ‘yun. Pinakita nila kung ano ang hitsura ng lab nila o paano ginagawa ‘yung oil, malinis po talaga,” he said.
In Prague, he observed a different approach, where cannabis is administered in capsule form. Despite variations in application, Padilla emphasized the affordability and effectiveness of these treatments, calling them viable options for government subsidies.
Padilla addressed concerns about the misuse of medical marijuana, assuring the public that medical cannabis is distinct from its recreational counterpart.
“Pero siyempre, iba ‘yung medical cannabis. We cannot compare medical cannabis to recreational marijuana. Malayong-malayo po,” he explained.
The press conference also featured global experts and local doctors who support the legalization of medical cannabis. Scientists such as Dr. Shiksha Gallow and Dr. Romeo Quijano highlighted the benefits of medical cannabis for managing chronic pain, cancer symptoms, and epilepsy.
Despite challenges, Padilla remains optimistic about the bill’s passage, citing growing support from fellow senators.
“Panahon na para ma-realize ng ating mga kababayan na ang panahon ng marijuana, eh tapos na po ‘yan. Ngayon po ay medical cannabis na,” he concluded.
