PDEA: Synthetic cannabinoid in 'black cigarette' linked to incidents

Authorities confirmed that a chemical was mixed into 'black cigarette' or 'tuklaw', which several individuals smoked in separate incidents in Quezon City and Palawan.

Laboratory tests by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed that synthetic cannabinoid, a substance prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Act, was present in the samples.

The PDEA spokesperson Joseph Calulut stated that while the chemical is indeed illegal, their report has not yet been finalized.

Calulut also noted that synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe effects such as convulsions and even death, based on existing literature.

Originating from Northern Vietnam where it is known as 'thuoc lao', this black cigarette contains 9% nicotine compared to regular cigarettes, making it much stronger.

The PDEA is awaiting results from a private laboratory test before submitting a report to the Dangerous Drugs Board for regulation of synthetic cannabinoids.