No, Delta-9 THC remains illegal in the Philippines under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165), with no legal threshold for recreational or medical use. The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) classifies all tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) as prohibited substances, aligning with international narcotics conventions. While hemp-derived CBD with <0.1% THC is permitted for medical research under DDB Circular No. 1, Delta-9 THC faces absolute prohibition, including in imported products. Enforcement prioritizes interdiction, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to capital punishment for trafficking.
Key Regulations for Delta 9 THC in Philippines
- Absolute Prohibition: Delta-9 THC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under RA 9165, with no exceptions for low-THC products. The DDB’s 2023 guidelines reinforce zero-tolerance policies, including for industrial hemp derivatives exceeding 0.1% THC.
- Medical Research Exceptions: Only CBD isolates with <0.1% Delta-9 THC may be imported for clinical trials, subject to DDB and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Synthetic THC analogs (e.g., dronabinol) are similarly restricted unless pre-approved.
- Border Enforcement: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conduct rigorous inspections, seizing Delta-9 THC products—even in trace amounts—under strict liability rules. Travelers face confiscation or criminal charges for possession.