Studying Carefully, PDIP Legislator: Don't Let Many People Suddenly Become Cannabis Farmers

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the DPR RI, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) faction, Rahmad Handoyo, reminded that the proposal to legalize medical marijuana should be considered carefully. Although some neighboring countries have allowed the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

According to Rahmad, the discourse on the use of marijuana for treatment must be based on a comprehensive scientific study. The study, he said, must also involve all related elements, such as medical experts and psychologists.

"We must be careful in responding to this discourse, not talkatively. This means that before medical marijuana is legalized, a comprehensive study must first be carried out involving all related elements, especially paramedics, psychologists," Handoyo told reporters, Wednesday, June 29. After there is a study that states marijuana is completely safe for medical purposes, he continued, there must be very strict supervision. If medical marijuana is allowed, these rules must be followed by strict supervision," said Rahmad.

On the other hand, the member of the health commission considered it necessary to study alternative medical drugs apart from marijuana. According to him, Indonesia does not need to use marijuana if there are other medical drugs with the same benefits. "Isn't there a medical drug other than the use of marijuana for certain diseases? If there isn't, the possibility of a medical option makes sense. But if there is a medical drug that has the same or better efficacy than marijuana, why do you have to force it with marijuana?" said Rahmad.

However, if marijuana is later allowed to be used for medical purposes, Rahmad warned that the cultivation and sale of marijuana should not become more widespread after the use of medical marijuana was legalized.

"Cannabis has a high economic value. It could be that many people suddenly become cannabis farmers. There are no more farmers who live, no one grows vegetables and fruits," he concluded.

Previously, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, received the arrival of Santi Warastuti, Pika's mother, who called for the legalization of medical marijuana at the Nusantara III Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Tuesday, June 28.

"Today, I have Santi Warastuti, a parent from Pika, who was sick, which went viral yesterday about medical marijuana and accompanied by lawyer Mr. Singgih to hold a judicial review of the Constitutional Court regarding the legalization of medical marijuana," said Sufmi.

Dasco said the leadership of the DPR will immediately coordinate with Commission III of the DPR to follow up on studies related to medical Ganjar. At this time, Commission III is also discussing the revision of the Narcotics Law. "After listening to what was said, we will take steps to encourage the RDP with Commission III, which happens to be discussing the revision of the Narcotics Law," he explained. Dasco ordered the RDP to be carried out as soon as this Sunday, or at the latest before the DPR members' recess begins. "If we have time this week, yes this week, but if not before the recess we ask for an RDP," said Dasco.

Regarding the involvement of the Ministry of Health, Dasco said this would be followed up by the relevant commission.

"It is possible that Commission III of the DPR will coordinate with Commission IX and others," he said.