Dunne: Health Ministry to recall Kronic brand

Dunne: Health Ministry to recall Kronic brand

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne today announced that the Ministry of Health is recalling one of the most popular brands of the synthetic cannabis product Kronic because contains the prescription medicine phenazepam.

Mr Dunne said finding phenazepam - an anti-anxiety and anti-convulsion drug - in the Kronic product, Pineapple Express, again confirms the dangers of suppliers putting unregulated drugs on the market where their safety is unproven.

"This clearly shows the worth of the Government's moves to change the onus of proof so producers and suppliers of these products need to prove they are safe before they can sell them," he said.

Currently authorities have to prove such products are unsafe before they can be taken off the market.

"This particular product, because it contains a prescription medicine, is now illegal to buy, sell, use or possess without a doctor's prescription," he said.

Mr Dunne said this restriction applies to sellers - the retailer, wholesaler and distributors - and any member of the public who buys the product.

The Health Ministry is contacting Lightyears Ahead, the company that supplies the product, to officially inform it that is required to recall Pineapple Express from retailers immediately.

The Ministry will conduct further investigations before making any decision on a possible prosecution.

A similar product is also being investigated and further action may be taken shortly.

The recall comes as the Government is moving in the next few weeks to place restrictions on the sale and marketing of products such as those containing synthetic cannabinoids in proposed amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Smokefree legislation means that it is already illegal to sell these products to those under 18.

Today's move by the Health Ministry comes after testing of a range of synthetic cannabis products confirmed the presence of a prescription medicine only in Kronic Pineapple Express.

Testing of a total of around 40 of these products by Environmental Science and Research (ESR) is currently being undertaken.

Phenazepam is a prescription medicine that can be particularly harmful to those with a mental health condition; to those on other medications; to pregnant women; and to children.

Its effects are more pronounced when combined with alcohol.

Mr Dunne said anyone concerned about the health consequences of taking this product and wanting more information should call Healthline 0800 611 116.

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