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Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
News

Media statement on sale of snack product marketed with hemp label and content

6 January 2023

           The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is aware that a snack product marketed with hemp label and content, ‘Piranha Power Pack Nuts’, was recently put on sale in vending machines. As the product is suspected to contain hemp seed flour which is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, CNB has engaged the company who had imported the product to remove it from sale. Investigations by CNB are ongoing.

2.        The botanical name for the hemp plant is Cannabis Sativa. In other words, hemp is cannabis. This means that all hemp proteins, fibre, seeds, oils etc that are derived from the hemp plant are derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabis and its derivatives are listed as Class ‘A’ controlled drugs in the First Schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1973. In addition, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive chemical substance in cannabis that causes users to feel “high” and there are adverse health impacts linked to its use. Any products derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant or its seeds can contain controlled drugs such as THC, despite the product labels indicating otherwise.

3.        Singapore adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance towards controlled drugs. The importation, exportation, possession, sale and consumption of controlled drugs or products containing controlled drugs, even in trace amounts, is an offence under the MDA. CNB would like to remind importers and retailers that any product containing hemp derivatives should not be imported for sale. Anyone who had purchased the ‘Piranha Power Pack Nuts’ snack should not consume it, and should dispose of it. Members of the public can contact CNB at 1800-325-6666 for advice and assistance if they come across other food products or substances suspected to contain controlled drugs. They can also make a report to CNB at  https://www.eservices.cnb.gov.sg/feedback.


CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU

6 January 2023

Piranha Power Pack snack bag with nuts, seeds, and 'Summer Herbs' text.

Photo 1 (CNB): A snack product suspected to contain hemp has been removed from sale from vending machines. Singapore adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance towards controlled drugs, and the consumption of controlled drugs or products containing controlled drugs, even in trace amounts, is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1973.

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