DDB study shows marijuana still most favored by student users

by Roberto M. Cabardo

Cebu City (8 September) — Contrary to the common belief that shabu use is most rampant among students, data obtained by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) proved otherwise.

Undersecretary Paul Oaminal of the Dangerous Drugs Board said that the initial results of the on-going random drug testing for high school students nationwide revealed that marijuana is the number one drug of choice.

Of the 12,909 students tested, 30 were confirmed to be positive, 28 for marijuana and the other 2 for shabu. The data gathered covers Regions 7, NCR, 1, 2, CAR, 9 and CARAGA.

Usec Oaminal said that marijuana is number one among the young because of availability and affordability. This is further strengthened by myth justifications such as the perception that marijuana abuse is harmless and with medicinal purposes.

The PDEA and DDB advocate for the eradication of the myth for marijuana and other illegal drugs are harmful to the mind and body.

The same DDB official believed that to systematically address the problem, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police and the Department of Education should strengthen the information drive on the abuse of marijuana among high school students.

Studies show that marijuana has been the gateway drug for the youth before shifting to shabu and other drugs.

In relation to this, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who has proclaimed herself as a drug czar, has been advocating for the full prosecution of those elements involved in the illegal drug trade in the country. (PIA Cebu)