Synthetic cannabinoid found in ‘tuklaw’ puffed in QC, Palawan

Authorities confirmed that a chemical was mixed into the “black cigarette” or “tuklaw” that was puffed by several individuals in separate incidents in Quezon City and Palawan.

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, laboratory tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) showed that synthetic cannabinoid was found in the samples - a chemical that mimics natural cannabinoid from marijuana, and it is prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Act. 

“Prohibited po ‘yan pero sa ngayon, hindi pa final yung report natin,” said PDEA spokesperson Joseph Calulut. 

(It’s prohibited, but our report is not yet final.) 

PDEA said that the convulsion experienced by the individuals who smoked “tuklaw” in the viral videos is an effect of the synthetic cannabinoid. 

“Yung specific spectra ng cannabinoid na ‘yun, it can cause epilepsy and we have literature on that,” Calulut said, adding that “it can cause death.” 

The black cigarette originated in Northern Vietnam and is known there as “thuoc lao." It is much stronger than normal tobacco cigarettes as it has 9% nicotine compared to regular ones. 

“Mayroon silang system na ginagamit kung paano yung tamang paggamit niyan. Hindi siya in cigarette form,” said Calulut. 

(They follow a system on how to use it properly. It’s not used in cigarette form.) 

PDEA is currently awaiting the results of the test conducted by a private laboratory. Once it gets the results, it will submit a report to the Dangerous Drugs Board that will issue a regulation on synthetic cannabinoid, the report added. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News