Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jun 2011
Source: New Zealand Truth (New Zealand )
Copyright: 2011 Independent Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.inl.co.nz/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1439
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/synthetic+marijuana

'PINEAPPLE EXPRESS' KRONIC RECALLED

The Ministry of Health is recalling one of the brands of the 
synthetic cannabis Kronic, called Pineapple Express, because it 
contains the prescription medicine phenazepam.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said phenazepam was an 
anti-anxiety and anti-convulsion drug. It could be harmful to people 
with a mental health condition or on other medications, as well as to 
pregnant women and children. Its effects were more pronounced when 
combined with alcohol.

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

The restriction applied to retailers, wholesalers, and any member of 
the public who bought the product, he said.

The discovery of the medicine confirmed the dangers of suppliers 
putting unregulated drugs on the market when their safety was 
unproven, Dunne said.

"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."

Currently authorities had to prove such products were unsafe before 
they could be taken off the market.

Dunne said the company that supplied the product, Lightyears Ahead, 
would be officially informed it was required to recall Pineapple 
Express from retailers immediately.

The Ministry would conduct further investigations before making any 
decision on a possible prosecution, he said. A similar product was 
also being investigated and further action might be taken shortly.

In the next few weeks the Government will 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 it is already illegal to sell these 
products to those under 18.

Environmental Science and Research (ESR) is currently testing about 
40 synthetic cannabinoids products.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom