PDEA warns public vs marijuana-infused vapes

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has issued a warning to the public regarding the increasing availability of marijuana-laced vapes on the market.

A surge in the availability of vaping products infused with marijuana oil was uncovered during recent anti-narcotics operations staged by PDEA.

In Taguig City, two drug personalities were arrested along with the seizure of cannabis oil, marijuana kush and assorted vaping devices which cost around P842,000 in a joint operation by PDEA and the Taguig City Police last March 14.

Eighteen balikbayan boxes containing cannabis oil and marijuana kush concealed inside e-cigarettes, with an estimated value of approximately P337 million were also intercepted by PDEA and the Bureau of Customs last week at Port Area, Manila.

The selling and smuggling of marijuana oil cartridges “indicate a growing domestic demand for these products,” according to PDEA.

“Considering that the vaping culture is predominantly popular among the youth, PDEA is wary that these cannabis extracts can be passed off as a legitimate vape aerosol in the market and sold to the younger patrons,” the agency said.

PDEA urged the public to refrain from patronizing marijuana-laced e-cigarettes due to the associated health hazards and the explicit prohibition of such products by law.

The proliferation of these items, it said, also poses the risk of unknowing customers becoming addicted to marijuana.

To address this issue, PDEA said that they are enhancing its monitoring capabilities to detect physical and online vape shops selling cannabis-flavored e-cigarettes and related paraphernalia.

The agency called for the support and cooperation of the country’s regulating bodies to formulate stricter measures against vape stores, retailers and importers to prevent consumers from using prohibited substances.