Health authorities have issued a high alert after multiple people were hospitalised in Auckland following the use of synthetic cannabis products, raising concerns about a dangerous batch circulating in the community.
According to a report by Stuff, High Alert, which monitors and warns the public about harmful or misrepresented drugs, said those affected had consumed synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as 'synthetics' or 'synnies', within the past 24 hours.
The organisation warned that the sudden spike in hospital admissions was alarming. “This reflects a wider trend of increased harm related to synthetic cannabinoids across the country over the last few months, however the sharp increase in hospitalisations is of serious concern,” Stuff has quoted.
While the specific substance responsible has not yet been identified, High Alert said the affected batch was “very likely” circulating across Auckland and could also be present in other parts of New Zealand. Further testing is underway to determine the exact compound involved. “Further analysis will be conducted by PHF Science (formerly ESR) and this notification will be updated on our website once results are confirmed,” as reported by Stuff.
Authorities stressed that synthetic cannabinoids vary significantly in potency and impact, making them especially dangerous. “What may be a safe dose for one synthetic cannabinoid might be a fatal dose of another,” High Alert said.
The drugs are typically sold as powders that are sprayed onto plant material before being smoked. “They are usually described as white, off-white, or yellow/brown powders that are dissolved, sprayed onto dehydrated plant material, and smoked. There is often a chemical smell and the sprayed plant material may be sticky - it is noticeably different from cannabis,” Stuff has quoted.
Reported side effects include seizures, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, paranoia, confusion and irregular heart rhythms. In severe cases, “People may collapse or ‘drop’, foam from the mouth, or experience temporary paralysis,” High Alert said. The risks are heightened when synthetic drugs are mixed with alcohol or other substances, or when users are already unwell or experiencing mental distress, as quoted by Stuff.
People have been urged to seek immediate medical help if someone collapses or stops breathing, with emergency services advising to call 111 without delay.
High Alert also encouraged people who use synthetic drugs to access free and confidential drug-checking services, including those provided by KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and DISC Trust. Additional harm-reduction advice included avoiding use when alone and testing only a small amount first to assess its effects, Stuff has reported.