ESR reaffirms prescription drug found in synthetic cannabis

ESR reaffirms prescription drug found in synthetic cannabis

5 August 2011
ESR scientists are rejecting false statements about their testing of synthetic cannabis products and the presence of the controlled substance phenazepam.

The claims were made in a press release issued today by a pro-cannabis political party. A new temporary ban on all products containing synthetic cannabinoids was passed into law yesterday.

Dr Keith Bedford, General Manager - Forensics, ESR contacted the Science Media Centre with the following statement:
"Contrary to certain recent reports, ESR reaffirms that testing undertaken by ESR established the presence of phenazepam 'contamination' in samples of two branded synthetic cannabis products being sold in NZ, including 'Kronic Pineapple Express'.

"ESR testing has also shown that the active, synthetic additives in such products, including those found in 'Kronic Pineapple Express', can be variable. Other batches of 'Kronic Pineapple Express' do not necessarily contain phenazepam and may contain a different mix of active ingredients which is one of the issues of concern with such products."

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