Ganja-laced meals at roadside eateries cost consumers dearly

By Shane Seneviratne

Colombo, July 28 (Daily Mirror) - Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Dr Palitha Bandara Subasinghe, raised concerns over reports that some wayside eateries are using ganja (cannabis) leaves in meat dishes to enhance flavour, a practice that is illegal and could have serious consequences for motorists.

According to Dr. Subasinghe, drivers who unknowingly consume such food may test positive for cannabis if they are subjected to a medical examination following a traffic-related offence, leaving them vulnerable to legal action despite never intentionally using an intoxicant.

"There have been instances where drivers, who firmly maintain they have never consumed narcotic substances, were found to have cannabis compounds in their urine during medical examinations," he said.

He explained that many long-distance and commercial drivers rely on roadside eateries for their daily meals, making them particularly vulnerable if banned substances are secretly added to food.

Dr. Subasinghe warned that the issue raises a serious legal and public health concern, as innocent motorists could be prosecuted for driving under the influence after unknowingly consuming food prepared with cannabis.

He called on Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and other relevant authorities to conduct regular inspections and take strict legal action against food establishments found using ganja in cooking.

"Using cannabis in food preparation is not only unlawful but also places unsuspecting consumers at risk of serious legal consequences," he stressed.