A cannabis product illegally marketed as THCA was available for purchase until recently in a CBD shop in Luxembourg City.
Laboratory analysis has since revealed that the cannabis flowers were adulterated with synthetic cannabinoids, substances known to pose significant health risks. An RTL Today journalist was able to purchase the product, labelled ‘Silver Haze THCA’, from a vending machine in the city. However, THCA is illegal in Luxembourg, as confirmed by the Ministry of Health.
Carlos Paulos, director of the social education organisation 4motion, explained that THCA is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant which can become psychoactive when heated or consumed, as it converts into THC and produces similar effects.
The “Pipapo” drug-checking service, operated by 4motion, allows individuals to have substances analysed in order to better understand their composition and reduce potential harm. Testing of the CBD shop product revealed the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, which are particularly concerning due to their unpredictable effects and potency – often estimated to be between 10 and 100 times stronger than natural cannabis.
According to Paulos, several individuals have already sought testing after experiencing adverse effects.
“We have had concerned individuals come to us to have their samples analysed. Reported symptoms include dizziness and a general state of malaise. In some cases, users have described effects lasting up to 48 hours. People have felt genuinely unwell.” Synthetic cannabinoids have also been identified in other samples submitted by consumers.
The products in question originated from multiple points of sale in Luxembourg, as well as from neighbouring countries. Through collaboration with similar services abroad, 4motion has established that the same synthetic cannabinoids have already been detected in several locations across Europe.
How such contaminated cannabis products came to be sold via a vending machine at an authorised CBD outlet remains unclear. The company involved stated that it does not knowingly sell illegal substances and is currently investigating the matter. The sales points have since been closed.
The Pipapo service has issued a strong warning against the consumption of cannabis products containing synthetic cannabinoids. Further information on drug testing is available via pipapo.lu.
