The Department of Health intends to take immediate legislative action, planning to outlaw any tobacco product or herbal blend that is chemically processed. Following the recent ban on industrial hemp flower that had been sprayed, the minister responsible, Adonis Georgiades, announced his intention to table a new, broader amendment immediately.

The ministry’s mobilisation began when Georgiades was on the receiving end of a message and photographic evidence that the market was attempting to circumvent existing measures. According to the information, following the “blockade” of industrial hemp, mixtures of common herbs (such as chamomile and lavender) have begun to enter the market, which are sprayed with unknown chemicals in order to be smoked.

From warning in parliament to action

This development confirms the concerns raised in the past. As the Minister revealed, during the proceedings of the relevant parliamentary committee on chemically treated cannabis, one of the representatives of these products had said:

“If you ban us from hemp we will spray the chamomile”

Although the phrase was initially treated as a joke by those present, the subsequent channelling of such products into the marketplace shows that it was a real design.

What the intended regulation will provide and the SOS to parents

The amendment being prepared for tabling is expected to explicitly and horizontally ban the marketing of any product intended for smoking that has been sprayed with chemicals, regardless of its plant base.

The purpose of the provision is to permanently close any “loophole” in the marketing of hazardous substances. At the same time, the Minister of Health wanted to draw the attention of citizens and especially parents, emphasizing:

“These products have a narcotic effect, watch out for your children!”