However, they are much more unpredictable and harmful than cannabis. There are no documented deaths from THC but there are an increasing number of deaths associated with synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids are not a synthetic form of cannabis, and, generally, they do not mimic the effects of cannabis.

While both cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids act on the cannabinoid receptors in the body, the effects, risks and harms are very different.

Synthetic cannabinoids can have euphoric, relaxed, happy and drowsy effects. When smoked, effects are felt in 30 seconds and will typically peak in half an hour or so and tail off over the next 2-3 hours. But in many instances, the effects of synthetic cannabinoids are more severe and wide ranging than cannabis. Adverse effects include a rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, increase in body temperature, confusion, paranoia, an inability to move, seizures, convulsions and psychotic episodes.

Synthetic cannabinoid chemicals are manufactured illicitly overseas.

There are 100s of different types of synthetic cannabinoids that vary in strength and toxicity. The make shift way that cannabinoid chemicals are sprayed onto the smoking mixtures can also result in big variations in the strength and toxicity of synthetic cannabinoids.

Synthetic cannabinoids are especially dangerous because it is impossible to know how strong each packet of synthetic cannabinoids is and how it will affect people. Even tiny amounts of the drug equivalent to the size of a matchstick head can be potent.

Regular use of synthetic cannabinoids can result in dependency and withdrawal symptoms and long-term conditions include psychiatric, heart and behavioural and cognitive conditions.