In 2020, Wayne and Dr. Shiksha Gallow were involved in a severe motorcycle accident that resulted in significant injuries. Wayne suffered a broken neck, hip, and arm, leading to initial paralysis, while Dr. Gallow sustained complex internal injuries, including damage to her lung and liver, as well as Crush Syndrome—a serious condition resulting from severe muscle injury.
Despite the grim prognosis, Dr. Gallow, a certified cannabis clinician and medical scientist, chose to incorporate medical cannabis and ethnomedicine into their treatment plans. Remarkably, she was discharged from the hospital within a week, and Wayne, who had been advised he might be wheelchair-bound for six months to a year, walked out of rehabilitation on crutches after just a month. Fifteen months post-accident, Wayne demonstrated his recovery by swimming from Robben Island to Cape Town.
Dr. Gallow’s professional journey in medical cannabis began in 2017. Motivated by the adverse reactions she observed in patients undergoing traditional pharmaceutical treatments, she pursued extensive education in medical cannabis, earning certifications and serving on the board of directors for the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in the USA. She has been instrumental in pioneering clinical trials in South Africa, including the country’s first study investigating the replacement of opioids with medical cannabis for chronic pain management.
Their personal experiences have reinforced Dr. Gallow’s advocacy for medical cannabis as a viable treatment option for various conditions, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. She emphasizes the importance of patient access to safe and effective medicines that can enhance quality of life, advocating for the integration of medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare practices.
Wayne Gallow’s remarkable recovery after a debilitating motorcycle accident demonstrates the transformative potential of medical cannabis. With severe injuries that included a broken neck and hip, traditional treatments provided little relief. His wife, Dr. Shiksha Gallow, a pioneering cannabis clinician, introduced medical cannabis into his recovery plan, resulting in dramatic improvements in pain management and mobility. Their journey, rooted in science and compassion, underscores the lifesaving potential of medical cannabis—a vision shared by Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla as he leads efforts to legalize its use in the Philippines.
A Unified Push for Compassionate Care
On December 19, Senator Padilla, joined by Dr. Shiksha Gallow and other global and local experts, led a press conference at Solaire Resort in Parañaque City to advocate for the passage of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573, also known as the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines. This legislation seeks to establish a regulated system for cultivating, distributing, and prescribing medical cannabis to provide relief to Filipinos suffering from cancer and chronic illnesses.
“This is not just about legislation; it is about humanity,” Dr. Gallow emphasized during the event. She shared insights from her groundbreaking work in South Africa, where she has led clinical trials replacing opioids with cannabis for chronic pain management. She called on lawmakers to act decisively, citing the Philippines’ opportunity to lead medical cannabis advancements in Asia.
Senator Padilla’s Advocacy for Evidence-Based Solutions
Senator Padilla stressed the need to align Philippine healthcare with global best practices, sharing his observations from a visit to Israel where medical cannabis programs are highly developed. He highlighted the key differences between recreational and medicinal cannabis, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of the latter.
“Nakita natin yung malaking pagkakaiba—recreational cannabis makes you high, samantalang medicinal cannabis ay may therapeutic benefits,” Padilla explained.
He also addressed concerns about safety, noting that strict regulation under existing laws, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act, ensures that medical cannabis remains controlled and effective.
“Kapag ang medical cannabis ay inabuso, wala pong negatibong epekto,” Padilla said, citing the importance of implementing this law to support Filipinos in need.
Expert Insights on the Potential of Medical Cannabis
In addition to Dr. Gallow, other experts shared their perspectives:
Dr. Gem Marq Mutia, founder of the Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine, stressed the importance of educating healthcare providers on cannabinoid treatments.
Dr. Angel Gomez, past president of the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists, highlighted cannabis’ role in pain management for palliative care.
Dr. Peter Quilala, a board member of the Philippine Society of Cannabinoid Medicine, called for more local research to inform policies and practices.
Wayne Gallow, now actively advocating for integrative healing, shared his own experience: “You have an unbelievable opportunity to do things better than the other countries surrounding you,” he said, urging Filipino lawmakers to embrace this medical breakthrough.
Growing Support for Legalization in the Philippines
Medical cannabis remains classified as an illegal substance under Republic Act 9165, though compassionate special permits issued by the FDA allow limited use for specific patients. Increasing evidence of its therapeutic benefits has bolstered calls for broader legalization, with advocacy groups and medical professionals urging lawmakers to reconsider its prohibition.
The Department of Health has acknowledged these efforts, emphasizing the importance of grounding legalization in robust scientific evidence while evaluating its cost-effectiveness and public health impact.
Senate Bill No. 2573, now progressing through legislative processes, offers a pathway to addressing gaps in the Philippine healthcare system. The proposed law lays the foundation for a highly regulated medical cannabis program that prioritizes patient safety and accessibility.
For Senator Padilla, this advocacy goes beyond politics—it’s about bridging deficiencies in healthcare. “Nahuhuli na tayo. Ang dami na nating dapat ginawa,” he said. “Ang ibang bansa nagtatanim na ng hemp. Pero dito sa atin, bawal pa rin. Panahon na para tanggapin ito bilang gamot.”
With momentum building, proponents are optimistic that the Philippines will soon join a growing list of nations leveraging medical cannabis to provide compassionate and innovative healthcare solutions. Through this initiative, the country could position itself as a leader in affordable and safe treatments, improving the lives of countless Filipinos.
