Earlier this week Guernsey Border Agency officers spoke with local retailers regarding the sale of Cherry Mule CBD Gummies, and those retailers have agreed to cease sales of this specific product.
This followed local testing to ensure that the Mule CBD Gummies complied with the current requirements set out in the Misuse of Drugs Ordnance, 1997 for CBD products.
This testing identified that the current batch of cherry flavoured gummies contain a high level of controlled cannabinoids - in this case cannabinol - and as a result, fall within the scope of the Misuse of Drugs (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law 1974 as a Class A substance. Possession of Class A drug is a criminal offence which can attract a substantial fine or a term of imprisonment upon conviction.
The effects of these gummies do not comply with other CBD products and can have a much stronger psychoactive effect than advertised. Because of the potential health risks they pose, and because of the high content of illicit cannabinoids, islanders should not consume or retain possession of these products.
For reasons of public safety, Guernsey Police and the Guernsey Border Agency would advise islanders who have previously purchased these products to voluntarily hand them in at the Police Station or at the front desk at New Jetty (GBA offices) as part of an amnesty which will run for the next seven days (from today). People will NOT face criminal prosecution for unlawful possession of a Class A drug when handing these products in during this amnesty period.
Going forwards, officers will be monitoring the import of CBD products to ensure that they comply with the local legislation. Possession, supply or importation of a product containing a Class A controlled drug remains a criminal offence for which people can be arrested and prosecuted.
Bailiwick Law Enforcement have been working with Guernsey's Misuse of Drugs Advisory Group (MDAG) - which has representatives from across the organisation - to look at this issue.
Andrea Nightingale, Substance Use lead for the Health Improvement Commission, said:
"It's concerning to see products being imported into our island that aren't compliant with our law on drugs, especially when these have been sold over the counter locally as CBD products. These are stronger than legal limits, and some contain cannabinol (CBN), which is a Class A controlled drug. We're very pleased to hear that the situation is under control, and being closely monitored by Law Enforcement.
"It is important to remember that a person can react very differently to the same drug especially if the contents are stronger than expected. If anyone has any concerns about their own drug use or are worried about a relative, friend or colleague please contact our local free and confidential service, Independence on 729000 or Action for Children (under 25yrs) 700218."
