Synthetic drug accused granted bail

A Victorian man accused of selling synthetic marijuana out of a chain of sex shops in regional Queensland has been granted bail.

Adult shop owner David Piccinato, 43, was arrested last month and extradited from Victoria for allegedly selling the drug under the counter as teas in his Love Heart stores.

Police claim the drug contained the dangerous chemical Ab-Chminaca and that all of Piccinato's customers who used the product containing that chemical were hospitalised.

Two people died from adverse reactions after allegedly using Piccinato's products but he is not facing charges over the deaths or hospitalisations.

The Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday heard that Piccinato continued to source, package and sell synthetic marijuana after it was made illegal in Queensland.

Crown prosecutor Sarah Dennis said Piccinato told employees who had raised concerns about selling the drug that it was too lucrative and if they didn't sell it they would be sacked.

Defence lawyer Tony Kimmins told the court Piccinato had known he was under police surveillance long before he was arrested so there was little risk of him fleeing the country.

Mr Kimmins said Piccinato also had no criminal history and strong ties to the community and his business, which he continues to operate from behind bars.

In granting bail, Justice David Boddice said despite the apparent strength of the prosecutor's case and possible lengthy jail term if convicted, Piccinato would not be a risk if granted bail with strict conditions.

Piccinato will not be allowed to contact past and present employees or run his business while on bail and must adhere to a night-time curfew and report daily to police.