Juan Ponce Enrile admits using marijuana oil

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile admitted on Wednesday that he is using marijuana oil for medicinal purposes.

“I’m using it – externally. At my age, sometimes you feel tension. To reduce your tension, you can use an oil from marijuana,” said Enrile, who is seeking another term as senator.

He warned that “what is bad is (marijuana) fiber,” referring to the dried leaves, which addicts smoke.

“What you smoke can get you addicted. It’s like a drug,” he said.

Enrile said that if used externally, mariuana can be helpful to humans.

“The marijuana oil can make you go to sleep. It can make you cheerful. It can make you calm. May (it has a) pleasant odor,” Enrile said.

Enrile said he applies marijuana oil on his back whenever he is overworked.

“The tiredness will disappear. But I do not use it often. Sparingly, only when needed,” he said.

Enrile said the use of marijuana oil is normal in the United States and the oil he uses was brought to Manila by his daughter from California.

He added that he would like to leave the production of marijuana to the private sector but the government should regulate the industry.