DISCLAIMER. I don’t pretend to be naïve on issues—that behind Sagada’s progressive rise as a prime tourist spot as it continues to live up to its nirvana image is the association of the place’s name to the infamous marijuana. I’m not writing this as a loyalist to my home. These are plainly the sentiments of someone who has seen more than some people who are quick to judge and go to the extent of dubbing our little Shangri-la as a local version of Amsterdam.
I, among countless other locals fume upon the mere mention of the village being known as a capital source of the drug (cannabis sativa). Idle talk, whether facts or tittle-tattle about the proliferation of the hemp in the locality is not alien to most of us. Even as a young kid back then, I’ve been hearing hushed stories about the drug’s scandalous existence here.
I, among countless other locals fume upon the mere mention of the village being known as a capital source of the drug (cannabis sativa). Idle talk, whether facts or tittle-tattle about the proliferation of the hemp in the locality is not alien to most of us. Even as a young kid back then, I’ve been hearing hushed stories about the drug’s scandalous existence here.
So it didn’t really come as a shock when I met people in the urban who unhesitatingly asked if I had ‘the weed’ with me upon knowing that I’m from Sagada. I cringed whenever I heard such remarks and God knows it took all the nerves in my body to stop myself from hurling profanities at these twerps. Such awareness even made it easier to see beyond the stupidity (for lack of a better term, apologies) of several tourists who would presume that those mountain tea leaves sold in transparent plastic bags are five-fingered weed. Following their train of assumption; that would mean that the drug’s not just legal here but comes in absurdly cheap prices! Wow! With that deal, one can already get high even without indulging yet.
Non-villagers are under the impression that hashish, charas and pollen are tolerated, and even encouraged in the municipality. Google won’t fail in providing sites and/ or blogs which portray Sagada as a haven for the drug’s not-so-underground trade. Sagadans are illustrated as people who condone the use of this and the commerce that comes with it. The biggest publicity with regards to this can perhaps be awarded to this episode in National Geographic’s Locked Up Abroad series. It tells the story of New Yorker, Cullen Thomas, who had to serve three or so years in a South Korean prison after being caught with a kilo of hashish -- one that was supposedly obtained here in Sagada. I would say “Serves you right!” or “Agset mo sa!” as we locals are prone to say if not for other highlights in the episode that I found a lot disturbing. How can this traditional community be easily shown and dramatized as a suburban haven where drug marketing seems to be the accepted trade. It enraged me even further that the town’s real attractions didn’t even come close as a backdrop to how the whole Sagada scenario was staged and played out. True, the documentary is already a few years old but watching it replayed every now and again on the local cable remains to be a painful reminder of related issues that plague us non-stop.
Yes, others might deem this is as a petty matter to dwell on considering that many countries have gone beyond and allowed the use of the drug not just for medicinal but also for recreational purposes. Thing is, Sagada’s a part of a nation that has laws and penalties specifically crafted for such misdemeanors. This municipality very much recognizes Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Oops! Sorry to burst your bubbles there. Yes, this is not Amsterdam.
Sagadans aren’t blind to the goings-on relative to illegal drugs, but we do not condone these contrary to what a lot of outsiders think that these are overlooked and tolerated. It is unfair to judge too quickly.
It’s just a fear that such an unflattering reputation can overshadow what Sagada really offers. Our gates are open to visitors who come here for the right kind of high. But if they’re here for an entirely different euphoria, brace yourselves. It’ll be the cage which will welcome you.
Non-villagers are under the impression that hashish, charas and pollen are tolerated, and even encouraged in the municipality. Google won’t fail in providing sites and/ or blogs which portray Sagada as a haven for the drug’s not-so-underground trade. Sagadans are illustrated as people who condone the use of this and the commerce that comes with it. The biggest publicity with regards to this can perhaps be awarded to this episode in National Geographic’s Locked Up Abroad series. It tells the story of New Yorker, Cullen Thomas, who had to serve three or so years in a South Korean prison after being caught with a kilo of hashish -- one that was supposedly obtained here in Sagada. I would say “Serves you right!” or “Agset mo sa!” as we locals are prone to say if not for other highlights in the episode that I found a lot disturbing. How can this traditional community be easily shown and dramatized as a suburban haven where drug marketing seems to be the accepted trade. It enraged me even further that the town’s real attractions didn’t even come close as a backdrop to how the whole Sagada scenario was staged and played out. True, the documentary is already a few years old but watching it replayed every now and again on the local cable remains to be a painful reminder of related issues that plague us non-stop.
Yes, others might deem this is as a petty matter to dwell on considering that many countries have gone beyond and allowed the use of the drug not just for medicinal but also for recreational purposes. Thing is, Sagada’s a part of a nation that has laws and penalties specifically crafted for such misdemeanors. This municipality very much recognizes Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Oops! Sorry to burst your bubbles there. Yes, this is not Amsterdam.
Sagadans aren’t blind to the goings-on relative to illegal drugs, but we do not condone these contrary to what a lot of outsiders think that these are overlooked and tolerated. It is unfair to judge too quickly.
It’s just a fear that such an unflattering reputation can overshadow what Sagada really offers. Our gates are open to visitors who come here for the right kind of high. But if they’re here for an entirely different euphoria, brace yourselves. It’ll be the cage which will welcome you.