Learn More About Synthetics

Ka whai i te whānuitanga o ngā kōrero mō te Taru Horihori.

Synthetic cannabinoids, often called syns, spice or chronic, are a man-made synthetic cannabis that is sprayed on dried plant material so it can be smoked. Synthetics can also come as a liquid which can be used in a vaporiser.

There are hundreds of chemicals which try to make you high like cannabis. However, they are much more poisonous, and you’ll never know how they are going to make you feel. All synthetics are illegal in New Zealand.

How it feels

Every time you smoke synthetics you’re not going to know how you’re going to feel. They are very different from cannabis. You won’t know how strong the drug is or how it is going to change you.

When you use a lot at once it is likely that bad things will happen. When people use synthetics they say their heart can start beating faster, they can feel dizzy, see things that aren’t there, and feel angry or wanting to hurt people.

These feelings can last a couple of hours, and you’ll feel like taking more. After using synthetics you can become moody, angry, worried, feel like you really need to have some more and find it hard to sleep. You may feel this way for about a week.

Using synthetics can make you lose touch with reality and very vulnerable.

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Our Directory of nationwide and local organisations is here to help guide you to find the support you need, whether it be counselling, support groups, helplines, recovery and support programmes or rehab facilities.

Kua whakakotahi mai nga ratonga Awhina, kia Kaha Tautoko ai to tatou whānau kua raru ai I ēnei tūmomo Warawara Waipiro me nga Tarutaru.

Things to look out for

When you use synthetics, you can find it hard to see how it is hurting you, and the people around you. Check with someone you trust and ask them for their honest opinion of what they see happening, and of any behavioural changes.

It seems like synthetics are hurting people much more than cannabis, and are much more addictive. You may get stomach pains, chest pains, your heart my beat fast and you may feel like throwing up. You can also be scared of dying, see things that aren’t there, get angry and start hurting people, and think about killing yourself. These bad feelings can last several days and end up causing long-term harm.

Calling for help

Synthetics are risky, you can die. Even a small amount can act like poison in your body.

For help phone the DHB 24 hour local helpline on 0800 800 508. Call 111 and get help straight away if you, or someone you know has trouble breathing, a racing heart, chest pains, start having seizures, pass out or become very angry, suicidal or think others are trying to hurt you. This may save your life.