Pubdate: Tue, 30 Nov 2004
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Philippine Daily Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.inquirer.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073
Author: Frank Cimatu
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

FOCUS ON 'SHABU,' PRO-MARIJUANA SOLON TELLS GOV'T

Ifugao Representative Solomon Chungalao said the government campaign to 
stop the cultivation and distribution of marijuana had been an expensive 
and tiring job.

Chungalao, who proposed the legalization of marijuana use for medical 
purposes, said the government should instead focus its attention on 
stopping the proliferation of "shabu" (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in 
the country.

"The drive to eradicate marijuana appears frustrating and costing enormous 
vital resources to the government. The police and the military furthermore 
seem sidetracked in their efforts as they are now more concentrated on the 
more dangerous drug called shabu," he said.

He said the government should differentiate between "hard" and "soft" drugs.

"Marijuana is a soft drug unlike shabu, which is a hard drug that has 
absolutely no medicinal value," Chungalao said.
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