West Communities Unite Against Synthetic Cannabis

The sale of synthetic cannabis in West Auckland is having a devastating effect on individuals, their families, and the wider community. In order to address this issue, and to decide what actions can be taken to address the problem, the Waitakere Community Law Service is convening a hui.

The Waitakere Community Law Service is situated a few doors down from a legal high shop on Trading Place, Henderson and staff see the harm these products are doing on a daily basis.

Manager Paula Bold-Wilson says “Over the past few years we have seen an unprecedented level of individuals begging, loitering, engaging in criminal activity, soliciting and disorderly behaviour. Although it would be easy to blame the individuals, we know that synthetic cannabis products are addictive, and people will go to the extreme to get their next fix”.

“Sadly, many of our young people believe that because these products are legal, accessible and marketed in a way that is appealing, that these products are safe” says Paula.

“But research shows that people experience hallucinations, psychosis, anxiety, paranoia, chest pain, heart palpitations, severe paranoid, disconnection from thoughts and feelings and other effects”.

“We have become deeply concerned about what we are seeing, and the hurt that people are experiencing because of these products. We also know that we are not the only ones concerned about the effects” says Paula. “We want to bring people together to educate our youth and initiate some community action to get rid of these products in our community.”

The community meeting will be held on Friday 21 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm, at MPHS: 27 Corban Avenue Henderson. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to louise@waitakerelaw.org.nz

ENDS

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