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British tabloid uncovers online drug ‘edibles’ made to look like popular confectionery brands
Popular British tabloid newspaper the Mail on Sunday (MoS) has uncovered what it claims is a drug-dealing scam that makes illegal marijuana edibles look like “innocent-looking ‘sweets’” but laced with high-strength cannabis.
The edibles are openly advertised on social media platforms such as Instagram where the MoS claims ‘brazen drug dealers are using the social media site to offer cakes and chocolate bars containing powerful tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis.’
The products resemble popular treats such as Mars, M&Ms and Smarties, and can be bought at the click of a button, but boast dangerous levels of THC, which is known to increase the risk of developing psychotic illnesses including schizophrenia, says the MoS.
Wrigley Mars and Nestlé, which makes M&Ms and Smarties, respectively, condemned the use of their famous brands.
A Nestlé spokesperson told confectionerynews.com: “This irresponsible and illegal act could have very serious consequences and we are extremely concerned by the misuse of our brand in this way.
“We are relieved to see this is now in the hands of the police. We will proactively enforce our rights against the sales of these products.”
A Mars Wrigley Confectionery spokesperson informed confectionerynews.com: “We strongly condemn the unlawful use of our chocolate brands on these illegal products. We will be conducting an investigation on the misuse of our branding, which is grossly irresponsible. Any commercial association between our brands and the sale of these products must cease.”
An Instagram spokesman told the MoS: ‘We employ a team of reviewers who work 24/7 to check and remove content or accounts that violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines. Buying or selling illegal or prescription drugs is prohibited on Instagram.’
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