Synthetic cannabis is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) that is supposed to mimic the effects of cannabis. Synthetic cannabis is usually herbs sprayed with chemicals, so they look like real cannabis. They are used like cannabis – smoked in a bong, pipe, joint, eaten or sometimes drunk.

OTHER NAMES:

Synthetic cannabis is sometimes called Kronic, K2, Kaos, Spice, Zeus, Tai high, Puff, Northern lights.

DURATION

The effects are usually felt within a few minutes.

Synthetic cannabis is supposed to be like real weed but it’s not actually anything like it.

FACTS TO KNOW:

• No part of synthetic cannabis comes from the cannabis plant and they are not structurally or synthetically related to natural cannabis.
• It is illegal to possess or sell synthetic cannabis in Victoria and some other states. There is a lack of research on the effects of synthetic cannabis and doctors can have trouble treating overdose and other health problems they cause.
• Using synthetic cannabis might make you feel relaxed, have decreased concentration, and slower reaction times. You might also have auditory and visual hallucinations.
• People also report experiencing fast and irregular heartbeat, racing thoughts, agitation, anxiety and paranoia, psychosis, chest pains, vomiting, seizures.
• It is really important to remember that you cannot always be sure what chemicals are being used in synthetic cannabis and that it can change from batch to batch.

Since they are synthetic or man-made, the side effects can be different from batch to batch.

The main difference between cannabis and synthetic cannabis is that it’s hard to overdose on cannabis, but there are reports of overdose or bad reactions to synthetic cannabis.

STAYING AS SAFE AS YOU CAN:

1. Only use a small amount to begin with as you cannot be sure the potency of the substance
2. Let the previous dose wear off before using again
3. Use cannabis instead of synthetic cannabis
4. Avoid using alone, share the experience with someone who has used before or with someone who is not using
5. Synthetic cannabis can intensify symptoms of anxiety and paranoia so avoid using if you have mental health concerns
6. Mixing synthetic cannabis and some anti-depressants or stimulants (such as methamphetamines) can be dangerous.
7. Large amounts or a strong batch can lead to overdose. Call and ambulance if you or someone else has any breathing difficulties, overheating, chest pain, high body temperature or you are concerned about someone’s behaviour.
8. Withdrawals from synthetic cannabis use can vary significantly, so if you or someone you know is thinking about reducing or quitting synthetic cannabis use there are services that you can access to support you through it.

This is only a little bit of information the ADF’s resource has heaps more.