Photo/Illutration An advertisement for a recreational drug, sold on a major online marketplace, that contained the harmful HHCP-O substance, which was eventually banned (Provided by a source)

Concerns are rising over the sale on everyday online shopping platforms of under-regulated drugs mimicking the effects of illicit narcotics.

Previously confined to shadowy corners of the internet, these recreational drugs are now appearing in plain sight, prompting urgent calls for action.

An Asahi Shimbun reporter investigating the issue typed the name of a prohibited substance—a processed component of cannabis—into the search bar of a major Japanese online marketplace.

While the exact substance wasn't listed, the search yielded numerous results for scented liquids and e-cigarette cartridges with different, yet suspiciously similar-sounding ingredient names.

The product titles boasted terms such as "new standard compliant" and "new ingredient," while descriptions promised "the ultimate feeling of euphoria."

When questioned about these listings, the marketplace operator stated that it monitors and removes products containing banned substances. However, the operator admitted that it is difficult to judge substances that are not yet explicitly illegal.

NOTHING SWEET ABOUT IT

This ambiguity highlights a growing problem. In 2023, a spate of incidents occurred where people suffered vomiting and nausea after consuming cannabis candies containing a substance similar to a harmful component of marijuana. Some even lost consciousness.

In response, the health ministry banned the specific substance found in the candies, known as HHCH.

However, officials from the Consumer Affairs Agency found numerous similar products containing another under-regulated substance readily available on online marketplaces.

"I felt a sense of crisis seeing so many sold on these popular platforms," an agency official said.

This new substance was eventually banned as well.

A narcotics official from the ministry warns that these products are becoming increasingly available on regular shopping platforms, in addition to illegal sites.

PROACTIVE BANNING

The ministry is now working with online marketplace operators to proactively remove these designer drugs before they can cause harm.

It usually takes several months for authorities to discover a potentially harmful drug, analyze its components to assess its risks and then ban it.

However, under the new regulation introduced in December, authorities can require marketplace operators to remove listings of the drug within two days, even if the substance is still under analysis and has not been banned yet.

Although some sellers ignore the instructions and keep these drugs listed until they are officially banned, officials believe that cooperation from operators is crucial in combating the drug trade and abuse.

While this is a step forward, experts warn that there will still be a time lag between the emergence of a new harmful substance and its removal from the market. 

Masahiko Funada, a professor at Shonan University of Medical Sciences, who specializes in drug abuse, emphasized the importance of avoiding any product with unverified ingredients, regardless of its legal status.

“Not being regulated doesn’t mean it is safe,” warned Funada.

He noted that the rise of these designer drugs is linked to the legalization of marijuana in some U.S. states, Canada and elsewhere, which has led to the cheap and mass production of new, potentially harmful substances derived from cannabis.

Related News