(May 27, 2024) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has issued a warning about the spread of vapes containing marijuana oil after intercepting a shipment of cannabis oil and vapes in recent operations.
In March, authorities seized a shipment valued at approximately P337 million at the port area in Manila, concealed within balikbayan boxes. PDEA officials suggest this indicates a possible rising demand for marijuana-infused vapes. Reports have also emerged about lollipops laced with magic mushrooms.
PDEA is concerned these products are being marketed to the youth.
“Nakakabala po ito, kasi ang balak nila siguro is marijuana or cannabis being a gateway drug, ‘yan po ang target nila talaga, malamang ‘yung mga kabataan na tumatangkilik po sa vape. As you know, kasi karamihan ng tumatangkilik ng mga vape shop ay mga kabataan,” said PDEA Director Derrick Carreon in an interview with News5.
Moreover, they are alarmed that marijuana or cannabis, a gateway drug, is now being introduced in other forms, especially in vapes. They added that vapes containing marijuana oil are difficult to detect until they are consumed, causing users to experience unusual reactions.
“Hindi po basta-basta made-determine ‘yan na may laman talaga until they finally consume it. So, makakaramdam sila ng kakaibang reaksyon. Kasi vape is so common eh. Talagang this is a toll order for any law enforcement agency, hindi lang po sa amin but even for the Philippine National Police, ” Carreon added.
PDEA is collaborating with other regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to stop the spread of vapes containing marijuana oil.
(PB)
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