Putnam health officials are worried about the sale of so-called “relaxation brownies” laced with the sleep aid melatonin.

The brownies, often going by the name “Lazy Larry,” are intended for adults, but according to Kristin McConnell, executive director of the National Council on Alcoholism/Putnam, the brownies are being marketed toward children and teenagers due to its colorful and flashy packaging.

McConnell noted that a cartoon of “Lazy Larry” also appears on the cover of the product: “The drug induced and relaxed caricature attracts the attention of teens who believe they will get a quick high after eating the sweets.”

The brownie manufacturer directs consumers to “take a half brownie, twice a day” to relieve stress and combat sleeplessness.

The product is sold at convenience stores and major retailers as well as online.

McConnell said the cakes retail from $2.50 to $4 apiece which she said was a “high price since a 60-count bottle of 8-mg melatonin tablets costs around $10.”

Joseph DeMarzo, executive director of the Putnam County Mental Health and Youth Bureau, said the brownies appear to circumvent approval from the Food and Drug Administration, even though melatonin is not considered a harmless additive.