High Alert issues Auckland warning over synthetic cannabinoids after multiple hospitalisations

An urgent public health warning has been issued after a spike in hospitalisations linked to synthetic cannabinoids across Auckland.

High Alert, New Zealand’s national drug early warning system, said multiple people have been admitted to hospital in the past 24 hours.

Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as synthetics or synnies, are laboratory-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of cannabis.

They are typically sprayed on to dried plant materials and smoked. High Alert said the strength and effects of the chemical can vary.

“High Alert recommends extreme caution if consuming synthetic cannabinoids, especially in the Auckland region at this time,” the warning said.

“If you or someone you know takes this substance and starts to lose consciousness or stops breathing, call 111 immediately.”

Immediate effects of taking the substance include irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, slowed reaction times, seizures and loss of consciousness.

“People may collapse or ‘drop’, foam at the mouth, or experience temporary paralysis,” the warning said.

The alert recommended people who do choose to take synthetic cannabinoids lower their dosage, avoid combining the substance with other drugs and avoid using it alone.

High Alert said it is unknown which chemical is responsible for the current wave of harm but testing is being carried out by PHF Science.

It said there had been an increase in synthetic cannabinoid-related harm in the past few months and the unusually sharp spike was a cause for “serious concern”.

People who have information should make anonymous reports through the High Alert website using alert ID N25/0056.

More information on synthetic cannabinoids is available on the NZ Drug Foundation’s website, The Level.