The owner of Vape Bermuda has defended the website as a legitimate business which “does not encourage or condone” the use of its products with illegal substances.

Yesterday, The Royal Gazette revealed that the same-day online delivery company was selling drug paraphernalia while also heavily promoting cannabis use. Its website (www.vapebermuda.com) sells items including natural vaporisers, electronic vaporisers, hemp wick, bongs, grinders, smoking masks and scales.

One section includes a how-to video on “dabbing” — a new method which produces a more concentrated form of cannabis through the use of butane hash oil.

The Vape Bermuda owners, who did not identify themselves, pointed to the disclaimer on the website. It states: “All of the products on this site are intended for use with tobacco or other legal herbs. Herbs such as eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, chamomile, lemon balm and sage for the purpose of aromatherapy.

“Some of our products are intended for use with only concentrated essential oils for intensified aromatherapy sessions. The products on this site are not to be used with illegal substances and Vape Bermuda does not encourage or condone such use.

“Vape Bermuda will not sell any products to anyone under the age of 18.”

This newspaper reported how the company’s Instagram page (@dabbermuda) also contains widespread photographs of and references to cannabis, with hashtags such as #smokeweedeveryday, #potheads and #onlysmokethefinest.

The group responded on that note: “The Instagram account that you mentioned in your article is run by a third party, not us.”

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said: “The Misuse of Drugs Act 1972 specifies that an item must be fit and intended for use in connection with the misuse of controlled drugs.

“Evidence of that use or intent will be required to prove the offence.”