Epilepsy NZ Warns of Synthetic Cannabis Products

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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release 7 July 2011

Epilepsy NZ Warns of Synthetic Cannabis Products

Epilepsy New Zealand is warning people with epilepsy that synthetic cannabis products could potentially have serious health consequences as they may interact with anti-epileptic prescription medications.

Recent media attention asserting that synthetic cannabis products may help with epilepsy is not supported by Epilepsy New Zealand.

“Everybody reacts differently to different medications but we encourage people to only use what is prescribed by their doctor” says Epilepsy New Zealand National Field Manager, Verity Colgrave.

“Our Field Officers have had an increased number of enquiries from people with epilepsy regarding the use of synthetic cannabis products in the past few months” says the National Field Manager. “We have even heard of some people combining synthetic cannabis products with alcohol, plus their prescribed medications, which can be very dangerous."

Epilepsy New Zealand fully supports the decision by the Ministry of Health to recall controversial synthetic cannabis products Kronic Pineapple Express and Juicy Puff Super Strength. These two products have been found to contain Phenazepam, a prescription medicine only available overseas used as a short term anti-anxiety and anti-convulsion treatment.

Phenazepam is part of a class of medicines called benzodiazepines; and could be potentially harmful to those with mental health conditions, people on other medications, and to pregnant women and children.

If people with epilepsy have any questions about how to improve their seizure control, they can contact their local Field Officer on 0800 202122, or visit our website www.epilepsy.org.nz.

ENDS

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