MANILA - Malacañang on Monday said only Miss Universe Catriona Gray can answer whether her stand on the legalization of marijuana for medical use was something that was influenced by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Gray was asked about her opinion on the legalization of the substance during the pageant's question and answer portion, to which she replied that she backs its "medical use but not so for recreational use."

Here's what #MissUniverse 2018 Catriona Gray has to say about the legalization of marijuana during the Q&A portion. #MissUniverse2018 pic.twitter.com/AbH2BCaIj4

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 17, 2018

Gray’s position is similar to that of Duterte who, despite launching a war against illegal drugs, has kept an open mind about medical marijuana.

“Catriona's Gray position on the legalization of marijuana for healing purposes could have been influenced by PRRD's stand on the matter or she she could have come up with that conclusion after considering the pros and cons of the issue,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a text message.

“She is the only one who can answer whether or not she was influenced by PRRD. I suggest you ask her after her triumphant return.”

Earlier this month, Duterte stirred controversy by saying that he sometimes takes the substance to stay awake.

Some doctors have opposed medical cannabis, saying its efficacy has yet to be confirmed. The use of medical marijuana is legal in California and some other parts of the US, Canada, and Poland, among others.