Health authorities have issued a high alert after multiple people were hospitalised in Auckland following the use of synthetic cannabis products, raising concerns about a dangerous batch circulating in the community. Authorities stressed that synthetic cannabinoids vary significantly in potency and impact, making them especially dangerous. “What may be a safe dose for one synthetic cannabinoid might be a fatal dose of another,” High Alert said. In severe cases, “People may collapse or ‘drop’, foam from the mouth, or experience temporary paralysis,” High Alert said. High Alert also encouraged people who use synthetic drugs to access free and confidential drug-checking services, including those provided by KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and DISC Trust.

Source: Stuff December 24, 2025 12:46 UTC