A killer strand of synthetic cannabis does not appear to have reached Rotorua.
New Zealand Police and Chief Coroner Deborah Marshall issued a public warning on Friday after seven deaths in a month were linked to synthetic cannabis in Auckland. The eighth person died overnight on Tuesday.
A Lakes District Health Board spokeswoman said Rotorua Hospital's Emergency Department had not treated anyone recently who had been under the influence of synthetic cannabis. She was also not aware of any deaths.
The spokeswoman said if anyone had consumed the drug, they should try to stay at home and sleep it off.
"The medical staff also warn people who have taken synthetic cannabis of the risks of seizures, aggression and erratic/unsafe behaviours, in which case it is recommended to call an ambulance," the spokeswoman said.