‘Psychotic Episode’ risk as Ontario recalls cannabis products

Several legal cannabis products have been pulled off shelves in Ontario and across Canada due to numerous health concerns including possible psychotic episodes.

Health Canada issued a warning on Friday about cannabis oils and capsules that were found to contain “a significant quantity” of hexahydrocannabinol or HHC – an intoxicating cannabinoid with effects reportedly similar to that of THC.

Some products were also found to include THC despite packaging indicating that they contained less than 3 mg per unit for softgels, or per g for oils.

Consuming too much THC or HHC at one time can lead to cannabis poisoning, which could require emergency medical treatment and, in some cases, hospitalization, Health Canada says.

“Symptoms can include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, nausea/vomiting, psychotic episode, respiratory depression, severe anxiety and/or panic attack,” the recall reads.

When cannabis is consumed it can take up to four hours to feel the full effects and up to 12 hours for the effects to end, the agency says.

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Here are all of the cannabis products affected by the recall:

• iNaturally Organic Inc’s Emprise CBN+CBD 50 mg Softgels
• NuLeaf Naturals 1800 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Multicannabinoid Oil Softgels
• NuLeaf Naturals 1800 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Multicannabinoid Oil
• Ultra Plus 1200 mg MultiCannabinoid Oil
• Ultra Plus 750 mg MultiCannabinoid Softgels cannabis extracts

Over 17,000 of all of the impacted products have been distributed across Canada and were sold between December 2022 and July 2024.

Anyone who purchased the affected cannabis oils is advised to immediately stop using the product, Health Canada says.

Consumers can return the product to the retailer where it was purchased, or dispose of the product. Any opened products under the recall should be disposed of “safely and out of the reach of children and young persons.”