Attention Parents and Educators: Health Concern Over "Lazy Larry's"

Public health officials are concerned about the sale of ―relaxation brownies laced with the sleep aid melatonin called "Lazy Larry's" (also known as "Lazy Cakes").  

The brownies, intended for adults, are causing concern because they are marketed towards children and teens with its colorful and flashy packaging. The cartoon of 'Lazy Larry' also appears to be drug induced and relaxed on the cover of the product which attracts the attention of teens who think they will get a quick high after eating the brownies. The brownie manufacturers direct consumers to ―take half a brownie, twice a day -to relieve stress and combat sleeplessness.  The product is sold at head shops, convenience stores, and major retailers across the country. They are also sold online. The cakes retail for $2.50 to $4 — a high price, considering that a 60-count bottle of 8-mg melatonin tablets costs $11. 

Due to the 8 grams of melatonin in the product, the brownies were first marketed as a dietary supplement in mid 2011 to avoid mandatory approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The safety of a dietary supplement is, by law, the manufacturer‘s responsibility. In August of 2011 the FDA cited the Memphis-based company HBB LLC, the makers of the ―'Lazy Larry' product, stating that they do not consider melatonin to be a harmless food additive and the brownies are  "adulterated" because they contain them. The FDA also cited ―medical research that has shown concerns about potential reproductive, cardiovascular, ocular and neurological issues as side effects of using the drug (melatonin). (FDA).  A teen could be having a physical reaction to a Lazy Larry, so it is important adults are aware of this new product and the potential harm it can cause on children and teens. 

Kush Cakes or Lulla Pies are also popular "lazy cakes", however they have not been cited by the FDA.  

Members of the Putnam CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children.  Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching "Putnam County Communities That Care – NY" or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.