PDEA-6 warns against CBD oil use

By: Jennifer P. Rendon 

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil use is prohibited in the Philippines.

This the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA-6) declared as it warned the public against buying imported CBD oil, which is used as pain reliever and to improve overall health and wellness.

“While it might be permitted or allowed in some countries, its use is still illegal in the Philippines,” Alex Tablate, PDEA-6 regional director, said.

But there is always exception to the rule and one is “compassionate use.”

According to Section 2 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), “people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs”.

“While marijuana remains illegal, including for medical purposes, in the country, terminally-ill patients may apply for special permit from Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) for the compassionate use of CBD oil,” PDEA director general Aaron Aquino said.

To apply for the special permit, the patient needs to accomplish an application form from FDA and submit a letter from the prescribing doctor, medical abstract, and the amount of the medical cannabis needed.

All documents will be evaluated by the FDA.

The use of CBD oil came into the public’s consciousness after PDEA noted increased trafficking of CBD oil using the mail and parcel services. CBD oil is also openly sold in online shopping platforms in the country.

“But so far, we have not monitored the use or entry of CBD oil in Western Visayas,” Tablate said.

PDEA is monitoring seaports, airports and even at postal offices

“That’s why, we are also doing interdictions at possible entry points,” he said.

Since February 2019, a total of 792 milliliters and 621 grams of CBD (with THC) in bottles, droppers, capsules, vape juice cartridges, and gummy candies, were intercepted following 14 incidents of mail and parcel interdiction operations in airports and seaports.

Two consignees were also arrested as a result of the operations. The rest of the seized packages reflected senders with fictitious names, and were placed under investigation.

WHAT IS CBD OIL?

PDEA said cannabidiol is the second most prevalent of the active ingredient of marijuana next to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive cannabinoid of marijuana which causes mind-altering and euphoric effects.

THC is a dangerous drug included in the 1971 United Nations Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances.

However, unlike the THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and there is no evidence of public health problems associated with it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.

“CBD is not addictive, but contains very small amounts of THC which remains illegal under the law. In general, the law dictates that any variety and derivative from marijuana, including CBD, is prohibited,” Aaron Aquino, PDEA director general, said.

Medication and side effects 

Clinical studies suggest that CBD has broad therapeutic value. CBD is known to be effective for seizure disorder and chronic pain. The cannabis oil may also be used to help improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and stress.

Other than the treatment, the CBD oil can also cause unpleasant side effects, the most common include nausea, fatigue, and irritability. The cannabis oil can also cause dry mouth, low blood pressure, light headedness, etc.

 

Methods of consumption 

There are four ways to consume CBD oil—inhalation, sublingual drops, ingestion and topical application.

Inhalation of the CBD oil is done through smoking and vaping.  Likewise, drops of the substance can be placed under the tongue before swallowing, and can be infused to food and drinks. CBD oil can also be applied like a balm or ointment on the skin.