PDEA Raised Concerns Over Dangerous Black Cigarettes Known as ‘Tuklaw’
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has raised concern over the spread of so-called “Tuklaw” or Black Cigarettes, also known as “Thuoc Lao.”
These black cigarettes, which are now being found in different parts of the country, carry serious health risks and may even be deadly.
Thuoc Lao is a type of tobacco that grows in the mountains of Northern Vietnam. Unlike ordinary cigarettes, which contain about one to three percent nicotine, this variant has an alarming nine percent.
The high nicotine content alone makes it dangerous, but what makes it even more harmful is the discovery that some of these cigarettes sold in the Philippines contain synthetic cannabinoid.
Synthetic cannabinoid is a chemical designed to mimic the effects of marijuana but with far stronger and unpredictable results. Reports show that those who smoke Tuklaw may suffer from extreme confusion, hallucinations, and erratic behavior.
Some cases even involve seizures among young users. Experts explain that ordinary cigarettes do not cause seizures, which exposes how harmful Tuklaw can be.
Studies abroad have also linked synthetic cannabinoid to deaths, making its presence in the country a major concern. Authorities reported that Tuklaw was first detected in Europe in 2017, later in the United States in 2019, and now it has reached the Philippines.
It is reportedly being sold online and is suspected to be used as a party drug. Because of its serious risks, PDEA, together with the Dangerous Drugs Board, is moving to classify synthetic cannabinoid as a dangerous drug. This would place Tuklaw cigarettes under tighter control and monitoring.
The agency reminds the public, especially the youth, to be vigilant and avoid experimenting with unknown or trendy substances.
In a previous post, a 3 young men collapse after smoking suspected ‘black cigarette’ in Palawan