By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Stressing that marijuana still poses health risks to users, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has warned the public against the use of vaping products that contain marijuana oil.
PDEA issued the warning to the public as it has noticed the upsurge of marijuana-laced vapes in their recent anti-illegal drugs operations.
“PDEA warns the public not to patronize marijuana-laced e-cigarettes because of the health hazards involved, and most importantly the law explicitly prohibits it. The proliferation of these illicit items can also expose unknowing customers to be addicted to marijuana,” the PDEA said in its statement over the weekend.
To recall, last March 14, two alleged drug personalities were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Taguig City.
Authorities have seized cannabis oil and marijuana kush, along with assorted vaping devices, with an estimated value of P842,000.
Last week, PDEA agents and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) operatives also intercepted 18 balikbayan boxes containing cannabis oil and marijuana kush hidden inside e-cigarettes worth P337 million at the Port Area, Manila.
“The selling and smuggling of marijuana oil cartridges indicate that there is a growing domestic demand for these products. Considering that the vaping culture is predominantly popular among the youth, PDEA is wary that these cannabis extracts can pass off as a legitimate vape aerosol in the market and sold to the younger patrons,” the agency said.
The country’s cutting-edge anti-illegal drugs campaign also said it would strengthen its monitoring to detect physical and online vape shops selling cannabis-flavored e-cigarettes and other related paraphernalia.
It has sought support from concerned regulating bodies to come up with tighter measures against vape stores, as well as retailers and importers, to prevent people from using prohibited substances.
(el Amigo/MNM)
