A dangerous batch of synthetic cannabis may be behind Christchurch’s death



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The dubious batch was potentially linked to a death in Christchurch recently.

CHRIS SKELTON / THINGS

The dubious batch was potentially linked to a death in Christchurch recently.

Agencies warn of a “dangerous batch” of synthetic cannabinoids in Christchurch, possibly related to a death in the city.

The security organization Drug Information and Alerts Aotearoa New Zealand (DIANZ) issued a high alert for a batch of synthetic cannabis involving two particular cannabinoids, 4F-MDMB-BINACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA.

“High Alert recommends extreme caution when consuming synthetic cannabinoids, especially in Christchurch at this time,” he said.

“High Alert is also investigating more incidents involving synthetic cannabinoids in the Christchurch area.”

DIANZ said that MDMB-4en-PINACA was an analog of 5F-ADB which, along with AMB-FUBINACA, was responsible for the majority of synthetic cannabinoid-related deaths in 2017/18.

High Alert recently issued two notifications for MDMB-4en-PINACA, in relation to its detection at the border and a series of damages related to synthetic cannabinoids in Taranaki.

Since then, it has been associated with a series of hospitalizations in New Zealand.

The synthetic cannabinoid had been responsible for several deaths abroad and was believed to be “one of the most dangerous synthetic cannabinoids” currently in circulation.

Anyone with reports of this medication should report DIANZ anonymously via the unusual effects report page.

How to identify the drug:

  • It is generally described as a white, off-white or yellow-brown powder.
  • It is usually sprayed on dehydrated plant material and smoked.
  • It can also be vaped or consumed orally.
  • Appearance and effects can vary between synthetic cannabinoids.

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