FDA reports case of heart blockage in teen after using vape juice with Cannabis

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday (January 6) released their findings on the life-threatening case of a 17-year-old male that had a history of vaping with cannabinol, a psychoactive cannabinoid or byproduct of Cannabis or marijuana.
According to FDA, a group of doctors from Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) contacted the agency in early 2020 after the patient experienced seizures and a low heart rate of 23 bpm although he had no known risk factors for heart or neurological disease.
It was later determined that the teenager had a history of using vape juice labeled ‘Gluttony Mamon’ which tested positive for the presence of cannabinol and tetrahydocannabinol, both derived from Cannabis or marijuana.
A brand sample was submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) which verified the presence of the dangerous substance.
Liquid Cannabis is considered a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002”.
The FDA warns the public against the purchase and consumption of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS/ENNDS) products commonly known as vapes that may pose potential health risks.
In an earlier advisory, the Agency already requested law enforcement agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure that the said product is not sold or made available in the market or areas of their jurisdiction. —MNP / Raymund David