The State Duma asked to ban the sale of betel nuts on marketplaces

State Duma deputy Sultan Khamzaev appealed to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova with a request to ban the free sale of betel nuts with psychoactive effects, which can be purchased on marketplaces. This is evidenced by a document that was reviewed by RIA Novosti on November 7.

"I ask you to instruct responsible employees to conduct a thorough inspection of these products and take measures to limit their turnover," Khamzayev said in his appeal.

He noted that over the past month, he has received many complaints from parents concerned that their children are buying so-called drunken nuts containing a toxic substance on marketplaces. These nuts have a psychoactive effect and can cause hallucinations, headaches and seizures.

The parliamentarian suggested that after checking the betel nut, it should be included in the list of prohibited substances. He also stressed the need to allow only certified products under Russian jurisdiction to marketplaces in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.

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This food may pose a health threat.

Earlier, on November 6, narcologist, psychotherapist, member of the National Narcological League Vasily Shurov said that the use of betel nut, also known as binlan, causes serious dependence, and also leads to tooth loss and esophageal cancer. Among the signs of eating betel nut are red—stained teeth, overexcitation, sleep disorders, decreased appetite, sparkle in the eyes and dilated pupils.

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