The discovery of synthetic cannabinoids in a CBD boutique in Luxembourg raises questions about control procedures.
If it is possible to procure synthetic cannabinoids in the country’s CBD boutiques, it must be nuanced. Certain products containing this chemical substance that mimics the effects of THC, the active principle of cannabis, are in fact prohibited for sale when they present health risks.
However, recently, in one of the points of sale of CBD in the capital, a synthetic cannabinoid product called “Silver Haze THCA” was sold in an automatic dispenser, while it should not be.
A first case that continues to raise questions, particularly about the means of control of the authorities. “How much time does it take on average between the reception of a report (…) and an effective check on the spot?”, Sven Clement wanted to know.
In her response to the pirate MP, the Minister of Health, Martine Deprez, acknowledged this Friday that the analyzes on imported products are not systematic. But also that the interventions largely depend on the signals and the confirmations in the laboratory.
In this particular case, a first report was made on March 3 last by an integrated service drug checking (dépistage), indicate again the minister. Additional analyzes were then carried out by the Laboratoire national de santé (LNS). The latter confirmed on March 19 the presence of a synthetic cannabinoid, MDMB-Pinaca. Sixteen days later then.
No analysis of imported products
Martine Deprez specifies that “the time between a report and an intervention depends to a large extent on the time necessary for the analyzes and their scientific confirmation”. A control visit was only organized after the validation of the results by the LNS.
The minister adds that “the police are not competent for the control of illegal substances in CBD businesses”. These are carried out by the health department, “in close collaboration” with other administrations, such as customs and the grand-ducal police.
“How are CBD products imported into Luxembourg controlled by customs regarding their content of THC, THCA or synthetic cannabinoids?”, asks Sven Clement.
Cannabis-based products from third countries must be accompanied by an analysis proving a THC content of less than or equal to 1%, explains Martine Deprez. Customs “does not carry out the analysis of cannabis-based products, unless it is requested by the competent authority”, she stressed.
Synthetic cannabinoids are therefore not systematically controlled upon importation. It is only in case of “suspicion” or at the request of a competent authority that analyzes can be carried out.
Finally, the minister recalls that certain agents of the health department have the status of judicial police officer, which allows them to carry out seizures in case of suspicion of infraction. On the other hand, the closure of a business “does not fall within the competence of the health department” and requires a judicial decision.
Source: Lequotidien
