Synthetic cannabinoids

A number of synthetic cannabinoids will be banned in NSW from 8 July 2011. These substances may be found in products with brand names such as Kronic, Northern Lights, Spice, Kaos, Voodoo and Mango.

Last updated: 28 June 2011

Synthetic cannabinoids

A number of synthetic cannabinoids will be banned in NSW from 8 July 2011. These substances may be found in products with brand names such as Kronic, Northern Lights, Spice, Kaos, Voodoo and Mango.

Effective from Friday 8 July 2011, the following substances will be included in the list of prohibited plants and drugs listed under Schedule 1 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985:

• JWH-073 (1-Butyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole)
• CP 47, 497 (5-(1,1-Dimethylheptyl)-2-[(1R, 3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol)
• Cannabicyclohexanol or CP 47,497 C8 Homologue (5-(1,1-Dimethyloctyl)-2-[(1R, 3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-phenol)
• JWH-250 (2-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-1-(1-pentylindol-3-yl)ethanone)
• JWH-200 (1-[2-(4-Morpholinyl)ethyl]-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole)
• JWH-122 (1-Pentyl-3-(4-methyl-1-naphthoyl)indole)
• JWH-018 (1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole)

Retailers and consumers are advised all supplies of the prohibited substance are to be disposed of safely and responsibly.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds which mimic the effects of THC. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the chemical compound in cannabis.

Cannabis and cannabis-like drugs can affect you physical and mental well being. Small doses may impair your memory and thinking. Heavy or regular use may cause:

• problems with memory
• confusion
• anxiety
• depression
• hallucinations
• paranoia
• psychoses

Cannabis use has also been linked to the following mental health conditions:

• depression and anxiety
• psychotic episodes
• schizophrenia

Because substances that contain the synthetic cannabinoids are manufactured, there can be considerable unpredictability, both in terms of substances present and quantity. Users cannot therefore assume the same effects from the same product the next time they use it. Thus, there is potential for overdose should a person use a particularly strong batch or a synthetic cannabinoid with particularly high potency.

More information is available at:

Permanently Out of It
National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre