[ad_1]
The reason synthetic cannabinoids thrive on a black market is because of their potency – they are easier to conceal than the much weaker equivalent batch of natural cannabis.
AMB-FUBINACA is currently a Class A controlled substance along with methamphetamine, magic mushrooms, cocaine, heroin, and LSD, as well as another synthetic cannabinoid 5F-ADB.
“Synthetic cannabinoids are designed to react with the same part of the brain in an attempt to create an effect like THC,” said the High Alert update. “However, although synthetic cannabinoids can have a similar effect to cannabis, they can produce completely different psychoactive effects or side effects.”
Side effects include:
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- hypertension
- nausea or vomiting
- tremors, seizures
- sedation, drowsiness
- slower reaction times
- confusion, loss of contact with reality
- paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks
- loss of consciousness.
Pharmacology academic Michelle Glass told Newshub in 2017, when AMB-FUBINACA first arrived here, that it was 100 times stronger than cannabis.
“These were not designed to get into humans … They are very strong acting compounds. They are driving the receptor much more strongly than other synthetics we have used in the past.”
There were 23 seizures of AMB-FUBINACA at the border in 2017 and only one in 2018.
The country will vote next month on the legalization of real cannabis, which has never been unequivocally linked to any overdose deaths.
The DIA would like to hear from anyone who has seen or heard that AMB-FUBINACA is here in New Zealand; Reports can be done anonymously on your website.
