Capstone-Intel Corporation recently conducted a nationwide survey from August 1 to August 10, 2023 aimed at understanding the attitudes of Filipinos towards the legalization of medical marijuana and their perceptions of its therapeutic potential and regulation. The survey was conducted among 1,205 respondents, with a gender distribution of 51% males and 49% females, aged between 18 and 75 years old.
The respondents are from 17 regions including Regions I, Region II, Region III, Region IV A, Region V, Region VI, Region VII, Region VIII, Region IX, Region X, Region XI, Region XII, National Capital Region or NCR, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Region XIII, and MIMAROPA or Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.
Support for legalization of medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes
With a total of 1,205 respondents, revealing an overall support of 63% for the legalization of medical marijuana for therapeutic purposes. Conversely, 37% of respondents expressed their dissent on the issue.
Regarding geographic areas, Region XI emerged as the region with the most substantial percentage of support, at 71%, with Region XII and NCR following closely at 69% and 68%, respectively. In contrast, Region I demonstrated a higher proportion of respondents, at 58%, who expressed dissent towards the legalization. It is worth noting that Region IX saw an equal number of votes (50%) in favor and against the legalization of medicinal marijuana.
Despite widespread support for the legalization of marijuana in the country, it is important to consider certain factors.
According to Capstone-Intel, while 63% are supportive, the respondents agreed to conditions to conduct more research, strict policy guidelines for access and dosage control. At the same time, the need for more awareness and education on the issue.
Support for medical marijuana as an alternative treatment and other supportive perceptions
According to the survey, a significant portion of respondents (38%) agree that the legalization of medical marijuana could offer a viable solution for patients who have not found successful treatments through conventional medicine. Meanwhile, 29% of the respondents neither agree nor disagree with this statement, and 24% strongly agree that medical marijuana legalization could provide relief to such patients.
Also, a significant percentage of respondents, namely 49%, express a strong conviction that further investigations should be conducted to probe the potential advantages and drawbacks of medical marijuana. Additionally, 35% of the participants concur with this statement.
Based on the study, 55% of respondents expressed a strong level of agreement regarding the regulation of medical marijuana to guarantee its quality, safety, and proper dosage control. Additionally, 30% of respondents agreed with this statement.