Total treated in Rotorua for synthetic cannabis symptoms now 14

Symptoms of synthetic cannabis use are said to include immediate vomiting, loss of consciousness and violent behaviour.

Another person has been treated in Rotorua Hospital after taking synthetic cannabis - bringing the total number of people treated in the last week to 14.

Police were called to pick up a man on Pukaki St, near the intersection with Tutanekai St, after reports from members of the public that he appeared to be on synthetic cannabis.

The Rotorua Daily Post was in the area at the time and our reporter saw the man slumped over with his mouth open. He appeared to be unaware of his surroundings and was making groaning noises.

This latest incident follows confirmation from police that the 44-year-old man who died in his Rotorua home at the weekend may have been using synthetic cannabis.

The case has been referred to the Coroner, who will ultimately determine the cause of death.

In the last week, at least 14 people have been treated in Rotorua Hospital after presenting with synthetic cannabis-related symptoms.

There were five people taken to hospital last Friday, four on Saturday, four on Sunday and one today. One patient was taken to Taupo Hospital on Saturday.

Symptoms are said to include immediate vomiting, loss of consciousness and violent behaviour.

Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Stuart Nightingale previously told the Rotorua Daily Post that police had made it clear people should stay away from the drugs.

Rotorua high schools which responded to questions from the Rotorua Daily Post said they had not specifically spoken to students about synthetic cannabis, but included drug ad alcohol education in their curriculum.

"We have always been very aware of the danger that drug and alcohol abuse poses to our students and this topic is included in our health curriculum. When appropriate we bring in visiting speakers to address our students and have counselling services on hand to follow up any issues with our students," one school responded.