HIDDEN HARVEST - Inside the Secret World of Cannabis Cultivation in the Philippines

Hidden in the dense shadows of the Philippines' illegal cannabis trade, a lone figure known only as "Chong King" stands defiant against a government that labels his passion as criminal. In an undisclosed, dimly lit room, surrounded by the lush green leaves of his secret grow, Chong King fights against pain, poverty, and a system that refuses to acknowledge his mission to heal.

To Chong King, cannabis isn’t just a plant; it’s a symbol of resistance, compassion, and a lifeline for those cast aside by the harsh realities of the law.

Chong King represents an underground movement fueled by purpose and hope, shedding light on a hidden world that few outsiders ever get to see. Reaching Chong King wasn’t easy. After weeks of encrypted emails and anonymous accounts, The Chronic finally received a response from this underground grower, offering a rare glimpse into his world. In an exclusive interview with The Chronic, he opens up about the risks, motivations, and the clandestine cannabis culture in the Philippines.

The Chronic: What was the moment or experience that made you decide to start growing cannabis, despite the risks of doing it illegally here?

Chong King: It all started with my brother, who passed away from cancer at 27. During his chemotherapy, he would ask me for weed because it helped relieve his pain and the itchiness from treatments. I used to source weed from Luzon for my own use, but one day, I couldn’t find any for him. That’s when I decided to grow my own, using bag seeds from Benguet. After he passed, I made a promise—to keep growing, not just for myself but for others suffering like my brother. That’s how it all began.

The Chronic: How do you keep things low-key and stay safe while growing, especially with the strict laws here? Do you ever get nervous about being caught?

Chong King: I grow indoors and keep the location strictly private. Fear is all in the mind. Of course, it’s natural to feel nervous, but I’ve learned to push past it. Controlling fear means controlling your mindset. I always say, "Fuck it, we all die eventually." If I’m going to risk something, I might as well die with a purpose.

Even over email, Chong King's words carry an air of fearlessness, underscoring the risks he takes daily to continue his mission.

"It’s a Jungle Out Here."

The Chronic: How do you ensure the safety and confidentiality of your operations amidst strict anti-cannabis laws?

Chong King: It’s all about secrecy. No one knows where the garden is. I manage everything remotely, and that distance keeps me safe. I also make sure people understand that I’m not someone to mess with. In this world, you have to be ready to defend yourself—show your teeth if you must. It’s a jungle out here, and you need to be sharp.

The Chronic: What’s the toughest part of growing cannabis in a place where it’s forbidden? Are there moments when you question whether it’s worth the risk?

Chong King: The smell is a big issue, especially if you have neighbors close by. But no, I never question the risk. It’s worth it. I’ve been poor my whole life, and I refuse to stay that way. How can I help the poor if I’m still poor? I want to live well, not just survive. That’s why I keep pushing forward.

Chong King's determination is palpable. His words hint at a deeper desire not just to defy the law, but to break free from the chains of poverty that have held him back.

The Chronic: Is there anything about the underground cannabis world in the Philippines that you wish more people knew about?

Chong King: It’s not just about money—it’s about giving back to the universe. People need to stop believing everything they hear in the media about weed. The truth is, lawmakers are often the first to break the laws they create. They supply the goods, then throw us in jail for it. The system is designed to keep us poor, to trap us in modern-day slavery.

The Chronic: How do local laws impact access to cannabis for medicinal purposes, and are there active movements or organizations pushing for legalization?

Chong King: There’s MEDCANN, a pro-cannabis group, but I’m not sure how trustworthy they are. They could be government agents pretending to be allies, just waiting to turn on us. It’s hard to tell who’s genuine anymore.

The Chronic: What’s the vibe around cannabis in your area or among your friends? Do you notice a difference in how older generations see it compared to younger ones?

Chong King: The older generation is mostly scared of weed because they’ve been conditioned to fear it. But the younger generation, like when I was a teen, they see it as something cool. They’re trying to live that Snoop Dogg or Wiz Khalifa lifestyle. But beyond that, some actually use it for healing and finding peace amidst the chaos.

The Chronic: Have you noticed people’s attitudes changing around cannabis, even though it’s illegal? Do you feel like there’s more acceptance or understanding today?

Chong King: Definitely. Now that it’s legal in other countries, even older folks are starting to come around. They see it on the news and realize it can be used as medicine. But I really hope people do their own research and stop accepting what the media feeds them. We need to question everything.

The Chronic: How does cannabis culture in the Philippines compare to countries where it’s legal?

Chong King: Here, it’s about survival and staying under the radar. But people still find a way. Cannabis is everywhere if you know where to look. Legal or not, I don’t care. Human laws are nonsense. I follow the laws of the universe. If you ask me, lawmakers are the biggest lawbreakers.

The Chronic: What strains are you focusing on, and is there a specific reason why those strains work better in the Philippines?

Chong King: I started with Gorilla Glue #4, Zkittlez, Lemon OG Haze, and Girl Scout Cookies, and they’re still my go-tos. They’re easy to grow and give great yields. GG4 makes me paranoid sometimes, but it also sharpens my instincts, makes me more aware of my surroundings. That’s why I love it.

The Chronic: How do you keep up with global cannabis trends and cultivation techniques despite the legal restrictions in the country?

Chong King: We have our own way of doing things here, but I still keep an eye on global trends. I make sure the quality of my product remains high, no compromises. We don’t mess with that PGR garbage; it’s toxic. Some growers are just in it for the money, but I take pride in what I do.

The Chronic: Without giving too much away, have you ever had a close call with law enforcement? What goes through your mind when you see police, and what do you do to protect yourself and your operation?

Chong King: Yeah, I almost got raided in Manila when I was starting out. One of my assistants couldn’t keep his mouth shut—he bragged to the wrong people and took pictures. Silence and secrecy are your best defenses. If someone tries to cross me, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect what I’ve built.

The Chronic: Where do you see the future of cannabis in the Philippines going, and do you see yourself getting involved in any way to help make that change happen?

Chong King: Whether it becomes legal or not, I don’t care. I’m in it for the long haul. This is my calling, and I’ll do it for as long as I can—thug life.

Through this interview, we gain insight into the life of an underground grower in the Philippines, someone who risks everything to cultivate cannabis in a country with strict anti-cannabis laws. Chong King’s journey, born out of personal loss, has become a mission of survival and compassion. His story not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those growing cannabis in the shadows but also highlights the resilience and commitment of a growing underground movement.

As cannabis legalization progresses globally, stories like Chong King’s remind us of the ongoing struggle faced by individuals in regions where acceptance is still far off. His courage and unwavering commitment to his cause offer a new perspective on cannabis in the Philippines, shaping a future where the rewards of healing and hope might one day outweigh the risks.