With upsurge, PDEA warns vs. marijuana-flavored vapes

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has cautioned the public against the use of vaping products that contain marijuana oil, stressing that it is illegal and poses a health risk to users.

In a statement over the weekend, PDEA said their recent anti-illegal drugs operations revealed that there is an upsurge of marijuana-laced electronic cigarettes in the Philippine market.

On March 14, two alleged drug personalities were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Taguig City, resulting in the seizure of cannabis oil and marijuana kush, along with assorted vaping devices, with an estimated value of P842,000.

PDEA and the Bureau of Customs also intercepted last week 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,” PDEA said.

“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,” it added.

The agency said it would strengthen its monitoring to detect physical and online vape shops selling cannabis flavored e-cigarettes and other related paraphernalia.

PDEA also sought the 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.—RF, GMA Integrated News