Run for your life...

top, with the mayors, where the buck stops!

Part of Article 3 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the right to personal security. The Presidential Decree of 1959 (1984), an amendment of the Land Transportation Traffic Code of 1964, obliges motorists to give way to pedestrians in pedestrians lanes or “Zebra Lanes.”

If law enforcement is not executed properly, it is the mayor’s fault (doctrine of command responsibility). And the culpability is selfevident. The thousands of dangerous ongoing breaches of laws and ordinances are glaring evidence in themselves which the mayors cannot refute.

I challenge the people of Metro Manila to be proactive and preemptive and not wait for another 57,000 individuals to be killed by reckless drivers (and their more guilty employers) before confronting our city mayors and demanding that the laws (traffic and otherwise) of Metro Manila and the country are strictly enforced, putting the onus not only on the driver but the employer-owner of the car, who, as earlier suggested, deserves a harsher punishment.

Every citizen, especially the youth, should organize themselves as a vigilant net citizen electronic socio-civic watchdog, like e-Guardian Angels, and take videos on their cellphones as proofs of this dangerous governmental neglect, any uncorrected infrastructure hazards, and other misdeeds or abuses by government officials. And this netizen watchdog movement could be duplicated in all cities in the country to serve and wellness properties, so we’re here to create natural medicine,” he emphasized. “Cannabis has a lot of medicinal values, so I wanted to make people well instead of taking synthetic drugs.” on sustainable goal packaging to ensure that our products are compostable and don’t contribute to landfills,” he said. field, from engineering and chemistry to production and communication.

Despite the growing acceptance and legalization of cannabis, Hoffman acknowledges that the industry still has a long way to go. He believes that it will take approximately ten more years for the cannabis industry to achieve full adoption and reach an ideal federal level. However, he remains optimistic about the future and the potential for cannabis to become a trillion-dollar industry, similar to the evolution of the alcohol industry after the end of prohibition.

Hoffman is proud to claim that he is the first minority and 100% cannabis processor and extractor in the United States, as well as the first Filipino in the world to achieve such a feat. However, being a pioneer in this industry has not come without its fair share of challenges.

During our interview, he emphasized the difficulties in finding investors and assembling a capable team, particularly in an emerging business sector where experienced professionals are scarce.

“Network as much as possible because if no one knows you, no one’s going to hire you,” he explained. “There are so many jobs available in cannabis, from engineering to chemistry to production to designing to communications. It’s a whole brand-new field.” protect our national dignity and our people’s rights.

In terms of social responsibility, Hoffman expressed his intention to further help impoverished communities in the Philippines by providing support, such as food programs.

It is our obligation to ourselves, to our family, and fellow citizens to help protect and look out for each other.

The politicians won’t.

Unless “We, The People,” fight for our rights, we deserve every rotten situation we get, and we can blame no one else but ourselves.

Now, shall we still wait for a member of our own family to be killed first before we act in solidarity?

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

The journey of cannabis entrepreneurs is still in its early stages, but Hoffman is committed to pushing for full acceptance and integration of cannabis into mainstream society. He believes that the industry’s growth will continue, with increasing tax revenue and widespread recognition of cannabis as a natural medicine. For Hoffman, the ultimate goal is to provide people with holistic wellness options and promote the benefits of natural medicine over synthetic drugs.

Advocacy and influence in cannabis legalization

In recognition of his remarkable achievements and his dedication to driving positive change, Howard Hoffman was selected as one of the prominent faces of New York’s “Why Buy Legal” campaign.

This campaign aims to educate and promote the benefits of legal cannabis, highlighting the importance of responsible consumption and supporting legal businesses. Hoffman’s involvement in this campaign showcases his influential role as a thought leader and advocate for the cannabis industry.

“I was selected to be one of the faces there because of the high points that I bring from my other business,” he told us.

Being well-versed in compliance measures due to his experience in making pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, Hoffman aims to bring the same level of regulatory compliance to the cannabis industry.

Regarding his future plans, Hoffman mentions working on a 45,000 square foot property with partners, where it will serve as the headquarters and manufacturing plant. With sustainability and ethical practices in mind, Hoffman expresses his commitment to prioritize environmental responsibility.

“We’ll be the first facility in Long Island to use solar energy to offset the carbon footprint. We’re also focusing

“Finding investors, finding good operators, quality people who believe in us is the hardest thing right now,” he quipped. “This is a new emerging business, and the hardest thing right now is finding good people who believe in us.”

Building a team of dedicated individuals who share the same ambition and drive has been a crucial aspect of his journey. Additionally, sourcing high-quality cannabis products from reliable farmers has presented another significant hurdle. Hoffman explains that stringent lab tests must be passed to ensure the absence of pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and microbial pathogens. Meeting these standards is vital to provide consumers with a safe and top-notch product.

“Finding farmers with good quality product is the hardest part because they have to pass all lab tests. There are strict standards to ensure a high-quality, pesticide-free product,” he said, adding that the stringent quality requirements imposed on the cannabis industry surpass even those of the vegetable industry.

Hoffman also pointed out the alarming presence of over 1,500 illegal stores in the state of New York alone, where products often fail to meet safety standards due to the lack of proper manufacturing practices and operational procedures. This highlights the importance of establishing a robust presence and adhering to rigorous quality control measures to set a higher standard for the industry.

As Hoffman continues to navigate the challenges and pave the way as a trailblazer in the cannabis business, his determination to find capable individuals and secure top-quality products remains unwavering.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the health industry, particularly in cannabis?

Hoffman emphasized the importance of networking and building connections in order to explore the wide range of job opportunities available in the cannabis

“We’re going to work on helping impoverished communities, providing them with effective drugs and creating programs such as giving food away,” he said “We’re committed to making a positive social impact.”

He considers it a rewarding experience when he receives positive feedback from customers who have found relief or recovery through cannabis-based products.

When asked about his entrepreneurial mindset, Hoffman attributes his selftaught approach and ambition to his mother’s belief in his potential for success. His mother played a significant role in his journey. He mention having two sisters who are pursuing his own careers in the medical field.

Reflecting on his life in the Philippines, Hoffman recalls childhood memories of playing with a specific toy and enjoying the abundance of fresh fruits. He mentioned that while he hasn’t visited the Philippines in a long time, he looks forward to visiting again soon as an American citizen. He pointed out the previous stigma surrounding cannabis in the Philippines and his concern about the consequences of consuming or selling it.

“I haven’t visited the Philippines in a long time, but now as an American citizen, I feel more open to the possibility. I hope to reconnect with my roots and contribute my knowledge and support to the country, especially in terms of medical and legalized cannabis,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hoffman envisions a future where cannabis products have established and respected brands. His ultimate goals extend beyond business, as he expressed a desire to be an amazing father to his young child.

Howard Hoffman’s journey as a Filipino-American entrepreneur in the cannabis business has been nothing short of remarkable. With his unwavering dedication to proper health and nutrition education, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his commitment to sustainable practices, he has become a true trailblazer in the industry. n