MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raised alarm over the presence of marijuana-laced electronic cigarettes, warning these vapes pose health risks and are strictly prohibited.
“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 agency said Saturday evening.
It issued the statement after authorities arrested two drug personalities, and seized cannabis oil, marijuana kush and vape devices worth P842,000 in raids in Taguig City last week.
PDEA and the Bureau of Customs earlier intercepted 18 balikbayan boxes containing cannabis oil and marijuana kush hidden inside e-cigarettes worth P337 million at the Port Area in Manila.
PDEA said the selling and smuggling of marijuana-oil cartridges indicate 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,” it said.
A 2019 survey revealed that 14%, or one in every seven Filipino youth aged 13 to 15, were already using e-cigarettes.
The Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act allows individuals as young as 18 years old to purchase vaping products.
PDEA said it is stepping up monitoring of physical and online vape shops to detect those selling cannabis-flavored e-cigarettes. It is also seeking cooperation from regulators, retailers, and importers to develop stricter measures against vape stores.