Whangarei Dairy proud they don’t stock synthetic cannabis products

One dairy owner in Whangarei has taken a stand and is not stocking any synthetic cannabis products in their store.

“Before we opened the Dairy my husband and I decided not to stock products such as K2 because I think it is harmful for us and the community”, explained Cameron Street Dairy owner Nina Maaau. “Everyday people come in and ask if we sell K2, the most in one day was 9 and often they are intoxicated and get violent when you say no”.

Synthetic cannabis products are sold under various brand names like K2, Tai High and Illusion and are avialable in some diaries, and various other retail outlets like adult shops, liquor outlet stores. Contrary to popular belief, these products are very dangerous.

“Synthetic cannabinoids are not a safe alternative to marijuana”, said Medical Officer of Health Dr Loek Henneveld. “They cause unexpected and unpredictable health problems and the availability of the synthetic cannabinoid products, coupled with how rapidly the chemicals present in the various products change, really creates a recipe for a public health disaster”.

Northland NZ Police Senior Constable James McCullough couldn’t agree more.

"We have real concerns about retailers who choose to stock synthetic cannabinoid products. They put themselves at risk of burglary, as there have been a number of burglaries in, and around, Whangarei that have targeted these products."

Because of these concerns many retailers take the opportunity that are offered by the NZ Police to display a poster indicating that they choose not sell these products. Health authorities and the NZ Police welcome and praise the responsible attitude of those who put community responsibility before profit by choosing not to sell these products.

“Some dairies talk about the good profit they make on these products but for us it isn’t all about making money”, Nina offered. “We think that if there are healthy people around, your business will be healthy”.

The Northland DHB mental health team is particularly concerned about the effects that synthetic cannabis products have had on their patients. Mental health patients are very vulnerable for severe side effects.

Symptoms can last days to months and cardiac symptoms like rapid heart rate, heart attacks, high blood pressure, palpitations, kidney failure, severe paranoia, seizures, tremors hallucinations are reported. In particular people who take other medication are at risk because of interactions of medicines and the synthetic cannabis products.

Users of synthetic marijuana showed symptoms of withdrawal similar to those who were withdrawing from narcotics. The long term effects of the drug have not been studied.
"The Psychoactive Substances Bill has been tabled in Parliament and is expected to pass by 1 August”, said Dr Loek Henneveld. “The Bill will restrict the importation, manufacture, and supply of psychoactive substances and only allow the sale of those psychoactive substances that can meet safety and manufacturing requirements”.

We are encouraging all Northland retailers not to stock synthetic cannabinoid products for their own health and the health of our community”, NZ Police Senior Constable James McCullough said. “We can provide you with a poster for your store window that makes it clear that you don’t sell these products”.

-ENDS-

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