Barbados is grappling with a rising public health crisis as illegal cannabis products laced with synthetic or semi-synthetic substances flood the local market. Dr. Ronald Chase, a psychiatrist with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), issued a stark warning on Monday following the discovery of a product labeled Original Royal Honey Delta in a local store. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a lab-created variant. Dr. Chase emphasized that these semi-synthetic substances, first detected globally in 2021, pose significant health risks. ‘These compounds are far more potent and dangerous than naturally occurring cannabinoids,’ he stated. The psychiatrist highlighted that the colorful, candy-like packaging of these products has led to accidental ingestion, particularly among children. In 2022, approximately 40% of unintentional use cases involved individuals under 18. Dr. Chase warned that synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe side effects, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, psychosis, anxiety, and aggression. He urged consumers to scrutinize product labels and avoid unfamiliar cannabis-related items. Supporting this call, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams acknowledged the challenges of curbing illegal drug use but stressed the heightened risks in today’s drug landscape. ‘The substances available now are far more dangerous than in previous years,’ he said. Abrahams recounted witnessing a cannabis user spraying an unknown substance onto a joint, underscoring the unpredictability of street drugs. He urged parents to remain vigilant, especially if their children are hiding candy-like products, and encouraged families to utilize testing services for suspicious substances. Both Dr. Chase and Minister Abrahams emphasized that the combination of deceptive packaging, easy accessibility, and severe health effects makes semi-synthetic cannabinoids a growing threat to public health in Barbados.