EDITORIAL - A higher high, a lower low

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently arrested man in Consolacion for the “exotic” vape flavor he was providing: marijuana.

Seized from the suspect during the raid last Thursday, January 29, in Sitio Upper Jugan, Barangay Jugan, were 77 vape pens and five cartridges containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical in marijuana. In all, these were estimated at ?206,500.

The operatives also confiscated 29 packs of dried marijuana leaves, weighing a total of 324 grams and estimated at ?47,520.

This buy-bust operation took a very dangerous substance off the streets, and by this we don’t mean the marijuana leaves.

According to research, vaping THC can actually be worse than smoking marijuana leaves because there is more THC in a vape liquid than in an actual marijuana leaf. That means more THC is introduced into the bloodstream.

Vaping THC produces an even more potent high than just smoking marijuana leaves. While that means more bang for the buck and a more heightened sense of euphoria while the high is on, it also means an even more pronounced period of depression after that high is over.

It could also mean getting addicted more quickly.

Contrary to what their users want others to think, recreational drugs aren’t cool. Sure, they can make the user experience hallucinations or experience another kind of “reality”, or make them really feel happy for a while, but in the end the long-term effects like addiction, substance abuse, and altered judgment aren’t worth it at all.

While actual marijuana leaves are subject to seizure wherever they can be found, the same doesn’t go for vape products. That means it’s easier for those who want to sell or use THC vape products to move their items around.

We laud the PDEA for a job well done, but we also urge them to find and catch others who are making what can essentially be considered illegal drugs even easier to access by the public. tinuod nga mga tag-iya sa mga negosyo ni Dino?