Synthetic Marijuana has been manufactured as an alternative to authentic cannabis ever since prohibition began. Unfortunately, on numerous occasions it has caused serious injury and death. As a result, illicit synthetics invariably wind up on the list of Schedule 1 Controlled Substances. There is good reason for that.
The molecular composition of synthetic marijuana is not as compatible with with our body’s natural receptors, which explains why it has been know to have harmful, and occasionally deadly side effects. Legal access to naturally produced medical marijuana is providing patients with far safer alternatives and, therefore, renders synthetic marijuana obsolete. Or, so one would hope.
Unfortunately, there are still a number of pharmaceutical companies making synthetic marijuana as an alternative for conditions like nausea, pain and other ailments holistic cannabis would more effectively treat. Marinol is one such synthetic, which is widely prescribed by doctors and legally sold in pharmacies.
Health Canada issued an international release warning consumers about a mislabeled cannabis called Brainfreeze, which is actually a potentially dangerous synthetic marijuana. The 5g sachets claim to contain “herbal” product but, ironically, the caption tag at the bottom is more accurate, “Not meant for human consumption.”
Canada has a robust medical marijuana program and nearly every patient who needs it can safely gain access. That makes the organization’s warning all the more disturbing.
If you suspect that synthetic marijuana is mislabeled and being sold as the real deal, please let someone of authority know about it. You may just be saving someone’s life.
Health Canada Issues Warning about Synthetic Marijuana
NEWS ADVISORY: OTTAWA, Aug. 24, 2017 /CNW/ – Health Canada is advising Canadians of an unauthorized product called Brainfreeze Potpourri or Brainfreeze Herbal Incense that is labeled as an herbal product and contains synthetic cannabinoids. This product is being sold in speciality tobacco stores and head shops in Edmonton, Alberta, and may also be available for direct purchase through online retailers.
Synthetic cannabinoids, when inhaled or ingested, can lead to severe health risks, such as vomiting, chest pain, increased heart rate, vision blackouts, headaches, kidney damage, agitation, high blood pressure, and psychosis. Health Canada has received one report of a serious adverse reaction following use of the product.
What you should do:
Do not purchase or consume products labelled as “synthetic marijuana,” “smokeable herbal incense,” “exotic herbal incense,” “potpourri,” or “legal high.” Consuming these products may lead to serious adverse health effects. It is illegal for products to contain ingredients that are synthetic preparations of cannabis, which are regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Consumers who have these products in their possession are strongly advised to dispose of them immediately.
Retailers who have these products in their inventory should contact their legal counsel for advice on how to properly dispose of them. Synthetic cannabinoids are regulated through the Canadians Drugs and Substances Act and subjected to seizures from law enforcement. Legal action can be taken against the seller and consumers who have these products in their possession.
Who is affected :
Any person who possesses, produces, sells, imports and/or exports a synthetic cannabinoid product.
Affected Product Name:
Brainfreeze Herbal Incense
Brainfreeze Potpourri
Background:
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that claim to mimic the effects of cannabis. These products can be found in stores, such as head shops and specialty tobacco stores, and online.
These products are believed to be smoked by consumers for their cannabis-like effects, despite the fact that they are often labelled as “not for human consumption”.
What Health Canada is doing:
Health Canada continues to work with its federal, provincial and municipal partners, including law enforcement, to:
- collect information about “synthetic marijuana” products
- make sure that retailers are aware that they cannot be legally sold in Canada, and
- take steps to stop their entry into Canada.
Products containing controlled substances may be seized at points of entry into Canada and/or removed from retail outlets.
Related AWRs
Health Canada warns of risks related to synthetic marihuana products
For more information :
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.
To learn more about natural health products and other self-care products, visit Canada.ca/selfcare-products.
