Health Canada is warning Canadians to read labels carefully because some cannabis edibles have been mistakenly marketed as cannabis extracts, products that contain significantly more THC.
In a notice on Friday, the agency said it was aware of cannabis edibles that “would contain more than the permitted limit of 10 mg of THC per package.”
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, meaning it’s the primary driver of the “high” feeling that accompanies cannabis ingestion.
“These non-compliant products in product formats similar to gummies and other confectionery products such as hard candies, were improperly marketed and sold as cannabis extracts.”
Purchasing an edible cannabis product that has been marketed as a cannabis extract may not only lead consumers to a very different experience than anticipated, but also potentially dangerous overconsumption of THC in some situations.
Cannabis edibles, which often come in the form of chocolates, candies or other confectionery products, are meant to be eaten like regular food, and the effects of cannabis are designed to kick in more slowly.
Cannabis extracts are products with highly concentrated cannabinoids.
Extracts can include solid forms such as hash or hash, or liquid forms such as oils intended for vaping. Cannabis extract is usually smoked or vaporized and can contain up to 99% THC.
The problem is that products, which visually appear to be the same as any other edible cannabis product, may have been released as cannabis extracts and therefore contain significantly higher levels of THC than a consumer who intended to buy edible products does not realize it.
“Highly concentrated cannabis extracts can quickly lead to intense intoxication,” says a 2019 pamphlet from the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction. “They can also increase your risk of overintoxication, the symptoms of which include severe anxiety, vomiting and symptoms of psychosis (paranoia).”
The difference in potential THC level between a product marketed as a cannabis edible and a cannabis extract can be huge.
While products sold as cannabis edibles in Canada are limited to 10 mg of THC per package, products sold as cannabis extracts can contain up to 1000 mg of THC per container, with up to 10 mg of THC per unit.
Health Canada has pointed out that when buying cannabis products, even if it appears to be an edible cannabis product, always read the label to see the amount of THC per unit per package so you know. ensure that you are not consuming a mislabeled product.
He also added that cannabis edibles and extracts should always be kept out of reach of young children to ensure they don’t accidentally consume them.
Some symptoms of THC overuse include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, nausea, difficulty breathing, anxiety, restlessness, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and even loss of consciousness.
Anyone who experiences adverse reactions to a cannabis product can report those adverse reactions to Health Canada and should stop using it immediately.
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