Advisory - Unauthorized product containing synthetic cannabinoids sold from stores in Edmonton

Images - Sachets of herbal incense sold in various sizes from 1.5 g to 5 g. (CNW Group/Health Canada)

OTTAWA, Aug. 24, 2017 /CNW/ -

Issue
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 Controlled 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 products

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.

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SOURCE Health Canada

Media Enquiries: Health Canada, [phone]; Public Enquiries: [phone], 1-866 225-0709