A "particularly dangerous" synthetic cannabinoid batch linked to at least two serious hospitalisations has been found in Christchurch.
This batch could be present throughout the Canterbury region, and possibly other regions in New Zealand, High Alert, NZ's early warning system for dangerous drugs, said.
Synthetic cannabinoids have been a lethal form of illicit substances in recent years in New Zealand, having been implicated in at least 70 deaths, High Alert said.
It is usually described as a white, off-white or yellow-brown powder, but experience and appearance can vary.
Immediate effects from the drug include fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, seizures, drowsiness, confusion, paranoia and loss of consciousness.
High Alert is currently investigating to find which synthetic cannabinoid is responsible for this harm.
High Alert said while no drug use is the safest drug use, it urges users to take extreme caution while consuming synthetic cannabinoids, especially in Christchurch at this time.
It recommends users take very small amounts and wait for the full effect before having more, with more inexperienced users recommended to wait one hour between use.
"People can often be 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. Call an ambulance immediately," High Alert said.
High Alert also urges people to call 111 if a user becomes unconscious, stops breathing, has a seizure, is extremely agitated for longer than 15 minutes or has chest pain or breathing difficulties for longer than five minutes.
