The law is too harsh and unfair to people caught with a natural substance that does no harm to users, and which, in fact, provides medical benefits.

That's what cannabis (marijuana) advocates raised in a statement on 19 October that makes a stand on the Juanito Remulla III drug case and the current drug policy in the Philippines.

The statement, signed by 19 individuals composed of professionals in various fields, including doctors, called on the public and the government to listen to its arguments.

"As long-time advocates for legal access to cannabis, we have fought for reforms in drug policy based on compassion, science, and human rights. We ask you to think again about the following points:

•The law regulating cannabis in the Philippines has a fundamental flaw: the penalty is far more devastating than the worst effect of cannabis use. Under RA 9165 (The Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002), possession of cannabis — depending on quantity — can be punished by fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million, plus life imprisonment, and the death penalty (should it ever be reinstated).
But there is no death recorded anywhere in the world for cannabis use.

•People possessing or cultivating tiny amounts of marijuana can be punished under these harsh provisions. This applies to cases of non-violent drug users. It is especially tragic when people who illegally acquire it for medical use are punished for seeking relief from disease.

•The poor are the main victims of the war on drugs. Thousands have died in the tokhang operations of the past regime. The wanton disrespect for human rights and due process by the war on drugs stands in stark contrast to how Juanito Remulla was treated by law enforcers. The impunity in drug-related killings has made us strangers to due process and constitutionally protected rights.