Motorcycle riders rally against synthetic cannabis

More than 150 motorbike riders rolled into Rotorua on Saturday to protest against synthetic cannabis and raise awareness about the deadly drug.

The brainchild of JJ Mason, a senior member of the Ngaruawahia-based motorcycle club Tribal Nations MC, the Pathetic Synthetic Motorcycle Ride rumbled out of Mercer at 8.30am and finished at the Rotorua Lakefront.

JJ Mason, who organised the ride against synthetic cannabis, hugs his cousin Jasmin Wairau. Photo / Stephen Parker

Mason told the crowd Rotorua was a suitable place to finish the leg due to the fact ''Rotorua is having problems with synthetic drugs of any form''.

His cousin Jasmin Wairau said she had thrown her support behind the event because synthetic cannabis had a big effect on the Rotorua community.

The mother of two said she was impressed with the turnout of riders who had come from all around the country.

''We were definitely happy with the turnout from the riders, it was amazing.

"I am passionate about the cause. I've grown up and seen a lot of stuff in my life so I'm for anything to better the community and better people.''

A convoy of motorbike riders rolled into Rotorua on Saturday to protest and raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic cannabis. Photo / Stephen Parker

About $1700 had been raised so far for St John from riders who paid $10 each to take part in the rally, she said.

Funds raised would go towards staff and ambulance costs and ''just basically their day-to-day running as St John relies heavily on donations''.

''They [St John] are the foot soldiers on the ground. They have done a lot of work and said there have been so many synthetic cannabis related call-outs in Rotorua since August so it seemed like the best cause to put the money towards.''