In the past 24 hours, a troubling number of individuals have been hospitalized in Auckland due to the use of synthetic cannabis, leading health authorities to issue an urgent alert. This alarming situation has drawn the attention of drug monitoring organization High Alert, which expressed serious concern over the noticeable increase in hospital admissions linked to synthetic cannabinoids across New Zealand in recent months. It appears that a particularly harmful batch is currently being distributed throughout Auckland and potentially beyond.
At this point, the specific substance responsible for these health issues has not yet been identified, but further investigations are being conducted by PHF Science, previously known as ESR. Updates regarding the findings will be made available on the High Alert website.
Synthetic cannabinoids, often referred to as "synthetics" or colloquially "synnies," are man-made chemicals that are typically applied to plant material and then smoked. The potency of these substances can vary significantly, which makes it exceedingly challenging to predict their effects accurately.
High Alert has highlighted that even minimal doses of these synthetics can pose serious health risks, and what may be deemed safe in one instance could lead to fatal consequences in another. The symptoms reported by users can range from a rapid and irregular heartbeat to severe sedation or drowsiness, slowed reflexes, respiratory difficulties, nausea, vomiting, seizures, tremors, temporary paralysis, confusion, a disconnection from reality, paranoia, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, and even loss of consciousness.
Moreover, the dangers multiply when synthetic cannabinoids are mixed with alcohol or other drugs, significantly increasing the likelihood of an overdose.
Health officials strongly advise that anyone who experiences collapse, respiratory failure, or seizures after using these substances should call emergency services immediately at 111.
For those seeking more information or support, drug-checking services are readily available through organizations like KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation, and DISC Trust. Additionally, the National Poisons Centre operates around the clock, providing assistance at 0800 764 766.
