A mother dealing with the fallout of having a son addicted to so-called legal highs says many young people are under the false belief that because the items were able to be sold legally,  they must be safe.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said her and her 18-year-old son's life had been turned upside down by his use of a substance he and his friends thought had been tested by authorities.

"To say there was quite a bit of fallout when I discovered my son had used cannabis would be a bit of an understatement so he went and switched to these so called legal highs.

"I didn't even know what the stuff was but it wasn't long before I knew something was wrong, where as cannabis has quite a distinctive smell I knew he was up to something because he began to stink, it's hard to put a finger on just what of but his clothes even continued to smell after being washed."

Even more concerning was an admission by the woman's son that where he could take or leave cannabis, after having smoked K2 a couple of times he felt he was hooked on it.

"His behaviour has changed, he's a bright boy but since he's started on this stuff I've noticed he's lacking direction and really lethargic but one of the really interesting things is a grimy, oily residue coming out of his hands that leaves a black mark on benches or walls he touches.

"Looking back now I believe it was in January when I realised something wasn't right, what really sparked my attention was my son kept vomiting and would vomit in his sleep."

The woman said her son was generally a pretty healthy young man but since using K2 he has also contracted a cough which he hasn't been able to shake.

"It's like a really bad smoker's cough from a heavy smoker and quite gross.

"One of the really alarming things is that his friends are using it too and there's this misguided belief that because these substances, which come in small packets about the size of a condom wrapper and cost about $20, were able to be sold on store shelves then they must comply with some form of health and safety legislation and are ok to use."

The other attractive aspect for youngsters is that while cannabis use will be picked up in workplace drug testing there is a belief synthetic cannabinoids won't ,leaving them with the misguided belief that not only are they using a safe, legalised product they can apply for jobs with mandatory drug tests.

"I guess my key message here for parents is to learn from my experience, it's really important to keep talking to your kids and get to know their friends so they feel comfortable talking about what they're doing with you.

"Then, don't leave it till too late to seek help- you're not alone with the problem and the longer you leave it the worse you will feel."
The mother spoke out to support a multi-agency operation being launched in Hamilton East today, aimed at targeting those businesses selling synthetic cannabinoids.

Hamilton East community constable Briar Hallam said the objective of Operation Dairy was to target the sale of synthetic cannabinoids and to highlight the risks to the community posed by the products while promoting businesses refusing to sell them.

"A ban that came into effect last week on two substances found in K2 synthetic cannabis means anyone selling these products will be breaking the law and Police will be vigilant in enforcing the law to reduce the product's harmful effects on the community.

"Prior to the Temporary Class Drug Notice (TCDN) legislation coming into effect today which bans the substances BB-22 and 5F-AKB48, Police across Hamilton have been visiting businesses to educate them on what the ban means."

Cannabis use may double the stroke risk in young adults, according to a recent study by researchers in the Centre for Brain Research at The University of Auckland.

The study showed that ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients were 2.3 times more likely to have cannabis detected in urine tests as other age and sex matched patients.

“This is the first case-controlled study to show a possible link to the increased risk of stroke from cannabis,” said Professor Alan Barber, lead investigator for the study and Neurological Foundation professor of clinical neurology at the University. “Cannabis has been thought by the public to be a relatively safe, although illegal substance. This study shows this might not be the case; it may lead to stroke.”

Professor Barber this week presented the study findings to the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2013 in Honolulu. The study included 160 ischemic stroke/TIA patients aged 18-55 years who had urine screens upon admission to the hospital.

Among the patients, 150 had ischemic stroke and 10 had TIAs. Sixteen percent of patients tested positive for cannabis, and were mostly male who also smoked tobacco, while only 8.1 percent of controls tested positive for cannabis in urine samples. Researchers found no differences in age, stroke mechanism or most vascular risk factors between cannabis users and non-users.

In previous case reports, ischemic stroke and TIAs developed hours after cannabis use, says Professor Barber. “These patients usually had no other vascular risk factors apart from tobacco, alcohol and other drug usage. It’s challenging to perform prospective studies involving illegal substances such as cannabis because “questioning stroke and control patients about cannabis use is likely to obtain unreliable responses,” he says.

The study provides the strongest evidence to date of an association between cannabis and stroke, says Professor Barber. But the association is confounded because all but one of the stroke patients who were cannabis users also used tobacco regularly.

“We believe it is the cannabis use and not tobacco,” says Professor Barber, who hopes to conduct another study to determine whether there’s an association between cannabis and stroke independent of tobacco use.

“This may prove difficult given the risks of bias and ethical strictures of studying the use of an illegal substance,” he says. “However, the high prevalence of cannabis use in this cohort of younger stroke patients makes this research imperative.”

Physicians should test young people who come in with stroke for cannabis use, says Professor Barber. “People need to think twice about using cannabis, because it can affect brain development and result in emphysema, heart attack and now stroke.”

The study was funded by the Auckland District Health Board’s A+ Trust. Co-authors were: Dr Neil E. Anderson (ADHB), Dr Heidi Pridmore, Dr Venkatesh Krishnamurthy, Dr Sally Roberts, Dr David A. Spriggs, and Dr Kristie Carter.

The cannabis growing season is now underway and Central District Police are appealing for the public’s help in maintaining drug-free communities.

Central District's spokesperson for the annual operation against the illegal cultivation of cannabis, Senior Constable Dave Kirk says: "At this time of year Police particularly need residents and visitors to rural areas of the District to be extra vigilant. Plants being grown outdoors will be generally in the region of waist to head high by now and noticeable."

“Information and support from the public is invaluable in apprehending those who choose to profit from the misery of others by manufacturing and selling drugs.”

Police encourage the public to keep their eyes peeled and report suspicious behaviour.

Trampers, hunters, and those who work in rural areas and in aviation can be of great help at this time of year by keeping an eye out in their surroundings.

“The majority of New Zealanders don’t want drugs in their communities. We want to send a strong message to people who choose to taint lives by manufacturing and selling drugs; you can expect to get caught.

“Don’t discount what you may have seen. Let us know and we will take appropriate action. You can provide information by giving your local station a call or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers,” said Senior Constable Kirk.

Police are asking the public to report any suspicious activity including:

•       People seen repeatedly going to certain locations
•       People seen at odd times
•       People somewhere they are not supposed to be
•       Shovels, spades and other such equipment being carried into the bush
•       Vehicles in rural areas closed to the public or with difficult access
•       Unusual lights in rural areas at night
•       Distinctive smell coming from rural areas or properties
•       Items going missing from rural properties that might be used in accessing plots and cultivation such as farm bikes and fencing equipment

Even when cannabis is being grown inside buildings there are tell-tale signs for the public and landlords to look out for.

•       Residents increasing fence heights
•       Curtains closed day and night
•       Shed and garage windows being blocked out
•       Bright lights on constantly or at strange times
•       Sounds of fans continually running
•       Vehicles and people visiting hours at all hours of the days

If you have information about drug cultivation, manufacture or supply rings please contact your local Police Station. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne today announced a Temporary Class Drug Notice banning a substance found in tested samples of the K2 synthetic cannabis product.

K2 has recently caused concern in communities, particularly in the lower South Island, where it has been connected to a number of incidents, and its use has been tied to elevated heart rate, vomiting, anxiety and psychosis.

A substance identified as EAM-2201 was found in two K2 products seized by police from a retail outlet, and will now be subject to a temporary drug notice taking effect from Thursday, December 6.

From that date, it will be illegal to import, manufacture, sell or supply the substance.

“The Health Ministry considers that EAM-2201 poses a risk at least comparable to other already banned synthetic cannabis substances, therefore I have made the decision that it needs to be banned.

“This is clearly not a product we want in the market place, and the fact that it is on the market tells you that we have an industry that does not give a damn about the safety of its customers.

“Any product containing EAM-2201must be off the market under this order, which will stay in force for 12 months.”

Mr Dunne said a permanent psychoactive substances regime will be in place by the middle of next year, reversing the onus of proof so manufacturers and distributors will have to prove their products are safe before they can sell them.

Products that pass testing will still have age and other restrictions applied.

“The regime will fix this industry once and for all and make it comply with proper standards. K2 is just another example of why you cannot trust these people to self-regulate and conduct themselves responsibly,” Mr Dunne said.

“Temporary Class Drug Notices were always a holding pen until we could bring in permanent legislation, and they have done the job well. With this latest ban, we have now removed 32 substances, and therefore effectively more than 50 products, from the market,” he said.

Waikato Police say a District wide clean up of dishonesty offenders that resulted in the recovery of hundreds of cannabis plants and a number of firearms will prevent millions of dollars worth of potential harm in the community.

Hamilton City Tactical Coordinator, Senior Sergeant Freda Grace, said 21 people are facing charges following the latest phase of Operation Persil, a Waikato wide dishonesty and violence focused initiative.

"Operation Persil is a preventative based campaign that has resulted in over 400 arrests since its inception four years ago. It concentrates on ensuring offenders subject to court imposed sanctions adhere to them be they driving restrictions, curfews or bail conditions."

Ms Grace said using staff from across the District was all part of the One District- One Police approach to policing the Waikato which saw Police moving away from policing towns in isolation.

"The operation got off to a good start last Monday when Te Awamutu officers searched a Hamilton property and recovered 400 cannabis plants in various stages of maturity. One man was arrested on drugs charges for this and for a small number of plants found at a Kawhia address.

"A firearm was also recovered in these searches. The next day six Hamilton properties were searched while 10 properties were visited as Police sought people wanted on warrants resulting in the arrest of 10 people on a variety of charges."

On Wednesday Hamilton Police combined with eastern Waikato colleagues to visit several properties where occupants were subject to bail conditions and curfews.

"These cold calls reinforce the anywhere-any time concept of policing and deter offenders from breaching their conditions. At the same time vehicle checkpoints resulted in 20 infringement notices being issued as we targeted offenders breaching driving suspensions.

"On Thursday Western Waikato Police were joined by City staff to search two north Waikato properties in relation to drug and burglary offending including one at Taupiri where over 100 cannabis plants and three firearms were recovered."

Ms Grace said it was becoming increasingly common to find people involved in dishonesty offending also being active in the illicit drugs trade.

"At the same time these offenders are becoming more willing to arm themselves to protect their investments creating a risk not just to the public but to our staff as well."

While officers were busy assessing the success of Operation Persil and the impact the seizures would have on reducing crime across the Waikato, Thames officers advised of another large discovery.

"On Friday Thames-Coromandel CIB staff searched a Thames property where five mature plants and over 200 seedlings were discovered.

"We're still working to establish the value of this and the other seizures but it is estimated to have been several thousands of dollars worth of drugs with the potential to cause millions of dollars worth of harm in the community."

Ms Grace said it was well established that offenders used property stolen in residential burglaries to fund their drug habits and that by turning a blind eye to cheap electronics or other items buyers were fuelling the problem.

"This results in increased insurance premiums and fuels the black market economy which means your home could be next. To prevent this you need to advise Police of suspicious activity either by contacting us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Norml New Zealand welcomes the legalisation of cannabis in the US states of Colorado and Washington and call for a similar law change here.

Norml vice-president Abe Gray said many people choose to visit and immigrate to New Zealand especially because of the laid back kiwi attitude and relaxed atmosphere.

"New Zealand has the highest rate of cannabis use in the developed world, and many of our tourists routinely solicit locals, looking to buy cannabis", said Mr. Gray

"By simply legitimising what is already happening all over New Zealand, time and time again, every day, we could be free of the harmful effects of prohibition on kiwis, and reaping the windfall revenues projected by Colorado and Washington"

Mr. Gray said Britain had also relaxed its cannabis laws in the last month.

“New Zealand needs to find a way to grow our tourism numbers without impacting on our already stretched recreational infrastructure.  Conventional wisdom is that we need more visitors to stay in cities for longer and spend more money, so we need some new niche tourism product to attract that type of visitor", said Mr. Gray

"Cannabis tourists love to just chill out and spend time checking out cafes and galleries. They also spend more on average than the typical backpacker.  Cannabis is yet another locally grown commodity that they would love to consume along with our world renowned wine and food.  But as kiwi business owners well know, if you want to make the most out of an emerging market, you have to be in before everyone else"

Previous New Zealand drug policy has seemingly always been to copy the US and the UK.  So lets keep copying them and reform our cannabis prohibition laws as recommended by the New Zealand Law Commission, and we can ride the green wave to economic prosperity.

This morning armed Police have simultaneously raided six addresses across the Hutt Valley.

The warrants were executed as part of an investigation, Operation Creek, by Hutt Valley Police after concerns were raised by the community.

Four males and one female, all aged in their late 20s to 30s, have been arrested for drug-related offences.

Police have recovered a firearm, cannabis, drug cultivation equipment and stolen property.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Cooper says "We've put a significant dent in this group's criminal activities. Getting these drug dealers off the streets and the firearm out of circulation will help make our city safer.

"The operation is part of our ongoing efforts to send a clear message that drug offending won't be tolerated by the Hutt Valley community", says Detective Senior Sergeant Cooper.

Fifty officers were involved in executing the warrants including the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) and Policing Support Unit (PSU) members.

Anyone with any information should contact Hutt Valley Police on (04) 560 2600 or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers by phoning on 0800 555 111.

The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party is welcoming support from the Libertarianz and former ACT party members and will discuss closer co-operation with them at this weekend's party conference.

"Former ACT leader Don Brash represented the views of a large number of ACT constituents when he said personal use of cannabis should not be a crime," party leader Michael Appleby said.

"Now those people in ACT are dis-illusioned with the prohibitionist mentality of John Banks."

"ALCP is a solid political movement with 16 years of experience and we welcome any new members from other parties."

Appleby said a cannabis industry would generate an economic boom in New Zealand at the same time other countries were heading into recession.

"We agree with Don Brash when he said it was economically unsustainable for police to keep spending $100 million each year fighting a war against cannabis," he said.

"We have plenty of overseas evidence of the commecial viability of medical marijuana, industrial hemp and licenced cannabis cafes."

ALCP will hold their conference at Avon City Backpackers, Christchurch from the 20th to the 21st of October.

Methamphetamine users’ use of synthetic cannabis products (such as Kronic) increased from ten per cent in 2010 to 41 per cent in 2011 an annual report on illegal drug use shows. Many of these synthetic cannabis products have subsequently been banned; they have contributed to an increase in new synthetic drug use, often in the form of ‘legal highs’, over the past three years.

The 2011 Illicit Drug Monitoring System (IDMS) study was carried out by researchers at the SHORE and Whariki Research Centre at Massey University.

Lead researcher Dr Chris Wilkins says 372 illegal drug users from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were interviewed late last year about trends in the use, availability, price and potency of a number of key illegal drug types and about any new drugs they had encountered in the previous six months. The study is conducted to provide timely information about changes in drug use, and inform responses such as better provision of drug treatment services and reducing barriers to entering treatment.

Overall the use of many new substances remained fairly low, Dr Wilkins says, though the proportion of frequent drug users who had tried a new drug increased from 24 per cent in 2009 to 33 per cent in 2010 and 40 per cent in 2011.

Drugs reportedly most frequently used for the first time in 2011 included ecstasy, oxycodone (a medical opioid), anti-depressants, methylphenidate (Ritalin) and synthetic cannabis (eg Kronic, Spice).

“The use of many of these new substances remains at a fairly low level at present, but it is important to continue to monitor them closely given the speed at which new drug epidemics can develop (such as methamphetamine in the early 2000s) and, in the case of new synthetic compounds, the potential for unpredictable health risks,” Dr Wilkins says.

Frequent drug users are also changing the way they obtain drugs, he says.

The proportion using ‘someone else’s prescription’ and ‘doctor shopping’ to obtain drugs increased from 9 per cent in 2008 to 30 per cent last year.

“The misuse of pharmaceuticals is a growing problem in many first-world countries and our findings indicate increasing use of pharmaceutical opioids, such as oxycodone, by frequent illegal drugs users in New Zealand. It is a complicated problem, though, as we need to balance making pharmaceuticals readily available to those in need with reducing their inappropriate use”

Methamphetamine use remained a problem associated with serious harm to users and others. There was some evidence that greater enforcement efforts were making an impact on the methamphetamine market with the price of a gram of methamphetamine (also known as ‘P’) increasing steadily from $610 per gram in 2006 to $815 in 2011.

“The strength of methamphetamine has also declined slightly since 2006. The availability of methamphetamine declined slightly in recent years, and this trend is strongest in Christchurch,” Dr Wilkins says.

Many of the frequent drug users experienced serious health, relationship, economic and legal problems as a result of their drug use. They also reported increased instances of ‘being given a drug without their knowledge’ - up from 9 per cent in 2008 to 24 per cent last year, - while reports of those claiming to have had their drink ‘spiked’ rose from eight per cent to 19 per cent over the same period.

“These trends may reflect the growing number of new synthetic drugs which can easily be passed off as other substances or concealed in drinks,” Dr Wilkins says.

The report can be downloaded at http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/research/centres-research/shore/projects/illicit-drug-monitoring-system.cfm

Detection for synthetic cannabis amongst the workforce can now be accurately tested in New Zealand workplaces, says the NZ Drug Detection Agency’s chief executive Chris Hilson.

Mr Hilson says, “This week the NZDDA received confirmation that the test strips we will use in workplace drug testing to detect synthetic cannabis metabolites have passed verification by an independent accredited AS/NZS 4308 laboratory and have passed the stringent FDA (US Food & Drugs Administration) testing. Until now we haven’t offered this service to our clients as the test strips had not received these verifications. Other providers are promoting this type of testing, but the tests aren’t verified by an accredited laboratory nor are they accurate enough to stand up to a court challenge.

“We believe it’s vitally important that any workplace drug testing is accurate and is undertaken by an accredited provider – to protect both the employer and their workers being tested. We work to the AS/NZS 4308:2008: Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of drugs of abuse in urine. Until this verification was received NZDDA wasn’t prepared to use these test strips for our clients, and their employees, who deserve the best.

“Whilst we don’t have any official figures of the use of synthetic cannabis in New Zealand, we’ve strong anecdotal evidence that its use is on the rise. This means that some synthetic cannabis users will be going to work with the drug’s effects still in their systems – and this can profoundly affect a person’s judgement, particularly in safety-sensitive industries.

“Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for all. Having the ability to accurately detect synthetic cannabis users in the workplace has got to be good for business and ultimately the New Zealand economy. It’s not something anyone wants to take a chance on.

“With this new accurate synthetic cannabis test now available, New Zealand employers can be assured that testing at their workplaces for synthetic cannabis is carried out to the highest possible standards,” says Mr Hilson.

NZDDA is New Zealand’s only accredited AS/NZS 4308:2008 on-site testing provider; it is considered to be a leader in its field. The company supplies specialised services for organisations that conduct on-site workplace drug and alcohol testing, as well as pre-employment drug testing.