Editorial: People right to protest at shop

"Synthetic cannabis is a blight on society." Photo / File

There is little doubt many in the community believe synthetic cannabis is a blight on society.

The dangerous nature of these drugs is well documented.

Users hoping to obtain a sense of euphoria, relaxation or heightened energy may instead experience sudden unpleasant psychological side effects, such as anxiety, panic, paranoia and psychosis.

Physical effects may include loss of consciousness, seizures and kidney failure.

In one high-profile Bay of Plenty case, a boy who was smoking K2 ended up in hospital overnight after he was found in a ditch trying to eat dirt.

The major problem with these substances is that details, such as what ingredients they contain, are not listed on the packaging and while the makers might try to associate these products with cannabis their effects can be completely different.

I mistakenly thought the introduction of tough new rules for the synthetic cannabis industry would quell the growing controversy around the sale of these products.

The sale of synthetic cannabis and party pill products in dairies, convenience and grocery stores, supermarkets, service stations and liquor outlets was banned on July 18.

Outlets now need to have a licence to sell synthetic drugs. It is also illegal to sell products to those under the age of 18.

This week residents in Te Puke have organised a protest march in an attempt to pressure Jellico St shop Puff2Go to close its doors.

Te Puke Community Board chairwoman Karyl Gunn said she had discussed the psychoactive substances legislation with MP Todd McClay only to discover the shop was not operating illegally.

This is an important point. The store is operating within existing regulations. In saying that, the community has a right to express its view on these substances and protest the sale of legal highs.

I support the community's stand.