Synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids can have a powerful "out of it" effect which can vary depending on which synthetic cannaninoid you use and how much you consume. Common effects include:

• Feeling out of it
• Dizziness
• Passing out or 'dropping'
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Racing thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Agitation
• Temporary paralysis
• Foaming at the mouth
• Temporary psychosis.

• Use very small amounts and wait for the full effect before having more. Use a stopwatch to track how much time has passed. Inexperienced users should wait one hour between use
• Ensure one person in a group is not using so they can respond in an emergency
• Sit down before using
• Use use thin papers and not card
• Using precise dosing in a vaporiser is less harmful and less likely to result in overdose
• Avoid mixing with alcohol or other drugs as this can increase harmful side effects
• Bulk out each dose with other plant material to reduce the risk of overdose. Tobacco is one option but this risks nicotine addiction
• Limit use by using occasionally, such as monthly or during holidays so that your mind and body have time to recover.

If someone falls unconscious after smoking synthetic cannabinoids they could die.

1. Ask loudly if they are OK. Shake them gently
2. If they are not responsive, dial 111 and request an ambulance
3. Check they are breathing and place them in a stable side position. If they are not breathing start chest compressions.

People are often very out of it after using synthetic cannabinoids. They may collapse or “drop”, foam at the mouth or experience temporary paralysis. Place them in a stable side position if possible and continuously monitor breathing.

Always call an ambulance if someone:

• is unconscious
• stops breathing
• has a seizure
• is extremely agitated for longer than 15 minutes
• has chest pain or breathing difficulties for longer than 5 minutes.

• Synthetic cannabinoids are very addictive
• They can make you anxious and can make mental health problems worse
• Each batch can vary greatly
• An unpleasant comedown can come on fast and make you want to take more.

The comedown or withdrawal can last days or weeks depending on how much and how often the drug was used. There are a range of common symptoms:

• cravings
• sweats
• dehydration
• irritability
• sleeping problems
• feeling emotional/low mood
• difficulty concentrating.

Seek help to manage more serious withdrawal symptoms such as:

• difficulty stopping use
• weight loss
• suicidal feelings
• paranoia, anxiety and panic attacks
• uncontrollable anger.

A significant number of people in New Zealand experience extreme reactions, serious psychological distress or loss of consciousness requiring hospitalisation with risk of death.

Cutting down or stopping use

You could have a substance use disorder if you are:

• using synthetic cannabinoids more than you want to
• finding it hard to stop
• missing school, work or family commitments
• always thinking about synthetic cannabinoids
• need to use a lot to get the same effect.

If you decide to stop or cut back, you are likely to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It can be very difficult stopping because withdrawal can come on very quickly. Talk to a trusted friend or family member about your plan and ask them to look out for you and support you.

Tips for cutting down include buying less so you use less, delaying your first session of the day, or using a smaller amount than usual.