Fake dope sales surge in city amid ban plan

KIM WATERS
STATE Government is considering banning the sale of synthetic cannabis as Geelong retailers report an explosion in demand.
Retailer Simon Jedreski said he had sold out of the drug after a newspaper reported where and for how much it was available in Geelong.
“Demand has definitely increased,” Mr Jedreski said.
“That’s what happens when you get a front-page story.”
Mr Jedreski said synthetic cannabis products had similar effects to smoking the real thing.
“There are reports it’s 10 times stronger but from what I’ve been told it’s about the same as cannabis but you get high for half an hour and then you’re normal, with no come down.
“We’ve had all types of people coming in just curious about wanting to try it, from people in suits to students or older people in their 60s.
“A few people have also come in to try it out for pain relief.”
Mr Jedreski declined to comment on the potential ban, saying the public could “make its own choice”.
“I can’t really say whether products like K2 should be legal or not. There hasn’t really been any testing on the products and the effects.
“This was just a new line that came in and we decided to start selling it a few months ago. It’s up to individuals to act responsibly.”
Australian Medical Association Victoria president Harry Hemley praised State Government for working on how to ban synthetic cannabis.
“Synthetic cannabinoids like Kronic can cause anxiety, panic attacks, high heart rates, agitation and restlessness,” he said.
“The longer-term effects of synthetic cannabinoid use is not yet known but, given they work in a similar way to cannabis, there is a risk predisposed users could develop psychosis or other serious mental health problems.”
Premier Ted Baillieu announced State Government was working to ban sales of the drug.
“Common sense will tell you that any drug which is designed to manipulate people’s minds is a potential issue and this drug, as I understand it, caused significant problems in a variety of communities already,” he said.
“I think…synthetic or otherwise, these sorts of drugs, we need to deal with them.”