A British Columbia company canceled its plan to bring cocaine to the market following criticisms from the Premier and the Prime Minister

Adastra Labs, a British Columbia company that received approval from Health Canada to produce and sell cocaine, has issued a clarification stating that it is not currently undertaking any activities with the controlled substance. While its amended Controlled Drug and Substances Dealer’s Licence permits the production, sale, and distribution of cocaine to other licensed entities, it does not allow the firm to sell it to the general public. Adastra’s original statement on commercialization plans, which had referenced evaluating how the substance fit with the firm’s business model, was removed. The issue drew scrutiny after B.C. Opposition leader Kevin Falcon brought it up during question period at the provincial legislature. The situation triggered responses from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and B.C. Premier David Eby, with Health Canada subsequently reiterating the strict parameters of Adastra’s licence. A second B.C. company, Sunshine Earth Labs, has also obtained an amended Controlled Drug and Substances Dealer’s Licence enabling it to produce, sell, and distribute cocaine, as well as opium and MDMA.