New synthetic cannabinoid misrepresented as a benzodiazepine

How to recognise symptoms of the drug

The sample was a white powder and presumed to be a benzodiazepine. Preliminary testing by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) confirmed this sample contained AB-MDMSBA. No benzodiazepine was detected in this powder.

AB-MDMSBA has previously only been detected twice by international drug checking providers. The first occurring in the USA, and the second in Australia. In both of these detections, the sample was also presumed to be a type of benzodiazepine.

While we don't currently know much about AB-MDMSBA, and it has no references in clinical literature or reported harm events, we know that synthetic cannabinoids can have harmful and unpredictable effects. Immediate effects may include:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Nausea, or vomiting
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Sedation, drowsiness
• Slowed reaction times
• Confusion, loss of touch with reality
• Paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Loss of consciousness

More general information on synthetic cannabinoids can be found on the NZ Drug Foundation’s website, The Level.

How to reduce harm from the drug

High Alert strongly urges people not to take any unknown white powders, and drug checking is recommended to help minimise the risk.

KnowYourStuffNZ, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme's DISC Trust run regular drug checking clinics across the country, and a drop off service is now available in Auckland. A calendar of upcoming clinics can be found on The Level.

If you choose to use this substance: 

• Lower doses are less risky. Start off with a small amount to check how it affects you. This can reduce the chance of overdosing.
• Avoid using alone. Have a friend who can help, and call an ambulance, if things go wrong. Use a buddy system if needed - where someone is on the phone or calls you to check you are ok.
• In general, swallowing a substance has a slower onset than other methods and means there might be more time to get medical help if needed.
• Consider where you are using, or use in a safer position (e.g., sit down before using) to reduce the chance of injury if you lose consciousness.
• Avoid using it at the same time as other substances, including alcohol.

People can look like they are sleeping after using synthetic cannabinoids. Keep checking they are still breathing.

Call 111 and ask for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has any of the below signs after taking this substance.

• Cannot be woken up
• Experiencing difficulty breathing or breathing stops
• Has a seizure
• Experiences chest pains
• A very fast beating heart
• Is very agitated

Put the person in the recovery position and follow the instructions from the emergency call-taker. Tell them what you have taken, you won’t get in trouble, and it could save your life.

If you have heard of any reports of this drug, please let us know through the Report unusual effects page, the alert ID is N25/0049. All submissions are anonymous.