New Zealand: Synthetic cannabis kills seven people

Seven people died in Auckland in July after consuming synthetic cannabis, New Zealand police announced today, taking the opportunity to remind potential users that stay away from this substance.

The police did not provide any further details about these seven deaths in New Zealand's capital, stating that they had forwarded the victims' reports to a medical examiner.

Gary Lendrum, an inspector for the City of Auckland, said in a statement: «We are very concerned that users are unaware of the toxic chemicals they may be ingesting when they use this synthetic drug.».

A deadly substance

This synthetic cannabis looks very much like traditional cannabis. However, it can be addictive and deadly because it contains a high concentration of substances designed to mimic the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

These substances can be highly toxic and cause unpredictable side effects. Synthetic cannabis may also be sold in liquid form and consumed in e-cigarettes. These chemicals have a much stronger effect on brain receptors than THC.

The police published a statement in a local newspaper, a video from a surveillance camera showing the effects of this synthetic cannabis on a user.

Deborah Marshall, chief coroner, explains that emergency services have also reported a significant number of victims hospitalized after consuming this substance: «The investigations are still in the preliminary stages, and the causes of death have not yet been definitively determined.».

In 2014, New Zealand banned synthetic drugs. Any manufacture or sale of this synthetic cannabis is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 500,000 New Zealand dollars (approximately 319,000 euros). Cannabis is also illegal there.

Mehdi Bautier