Fredericton — Who ever said the Maritimes were not a hotbed for innovation? Earlier this month, the Canadian Press reported that Dalhousie University student Alec Falkenham was developing a topical cream that could potentially remove tattoos without scarring the skin.
Not to be outdone, University of New Brunswick student Daniel Finder has been busy in the lab with a project of his own — developing a combination of chemicals and cleaning products that produce fumes which, he claims, can get you incredibly high.
“I don’t want to give away my recipe before I secure the patent,” Finder said, “but it’s primarily comprised of ordinary things that can be found around the house, such as Mr. Clean and no-name paint-thinner.”
“But the trick is,” he said with a sly smile, “is how much of each?”
Finder’s concoction of amalgamated chemicals gives off powerful fumes that have been shown to deprive the brain of oxygen, consequently providing the user with an intense head-rush. Finder has been selling the product out of his basement and through his website, www.hufferinnovation.org.
“ItSZ SOoo good!I caN FJKT SEE myselff goindxs Bakk to snifiinn nail polsisf removVARRrrrr,” wrote one enthusiastic online reviewer.
Proud parents Henry and Mary Finder said that intoxicating inhalants have been a passion of Daniel’s since he was a small child.
“Even when he was just 8 years old,” said his mother, “I would find him on the floor with a bunch of markers. While other kids would be drawing elephants and sunsets, our Danny would just be a-huffin’ away.”
The mixture has proven to be well-suited for recreational use, and has become something of a party favourite. But, the question on everyone’s mind is: does it have any medicinal value?
“I dunno,” Finder said frankly. “It’d be cool if it did, though.”
He says he’s hoping to find a distributor for his product as soon as possible. “I’ve been having some success just selling it to my friends,” he said, “but I could really use an investor to take it to the next level.”
Finder has recently put together a short keynote presentation for potential investors that he hopes will generate some capital interest. “I’m feeling pretty confident,” he said. “People really like getting high.”
Finder’s keynote talk will take place at Tilly Hall this Thursday at 7 p.m. It is free to the public.