DMT is a psychedelic drug found in a number of animals and plants that produces effects similar to LSD. It comes often as a crystalline powder that is yellow, white or off-white in colour.
Drug information agency High Alert issued a warning about the drug yesterday, saying some DMT samples have been found to contain synthetic cannabinoid MDMB-4en-PINACA.
This substance has been linked to a hospitalisation in Auckland as well as previous instances of serious harm, including deaths.
The organisation became aware of the misrepresentation after a sample was submitted to a New Zealand Needle Exchange clinic in Christchurch.
Initial testing of the samples indicated the presence of MDMB-4en-PINACA and no DMT. Further analysis by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) confirmed this.
“It remains unknown how widely this substance is circulating, but note that it has now been identified in the Auckland and Christchurch regions,” read a statement on the agency’s website.
High Alert strongly urged people not to take any unknown yellow powders, and drug checking is recommended to help minimise the risk.
Effects of synthetic cannabinoids can 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
