SYNTHETIC CANNABIS 'MOTIVATION FOR CRIME'

Synthetic cannabis has been cited as the "motivating factor" in a
spate of crime including robberies in Dunedin, police say.

Officers are working with West Australian counterparts as they tackle
the increasing problems associated with the legal cannabis substitute
Kronic.

Tomorrow, it becomes illegal to possess or supply synthetic
cannabinoids, such as Kronic, in the Australian state. Those who do
will risk a fine of up to A$100,000 ($131,000) or a jail term of up to
25 years.

Sergeant Chris McLellan, of Dunedin, said there had been a spate of
Kronic-related crimes in his city.

Frontline agencies were noting a "social cost" coming from Kronic use,
including mental health problems and crime.

"We now have reported incidents where Kronic is the key motivator for
robberies," Mr McLellan said.

"There is a reason this has been banned in 16 different countries
around the world."

Countries to have banned cannabinoids include Germany, France,
Britain, Japan and Ireland.

Dunedin-Clutha area commander Inspector Dave Campbell said police were
receiving reports from "numerous groups and agencies about the adverse
affects of Kronic".

"It is clearly a driver behind recent offending. People are committing
crimes to sustain Kronic habits."

Mirror Services director Deb Fraser said it "does not matter whether
it is legal or illegal, young people are telling us they are using it
and can get access to it".

The counselling service, which also runs youth drug and alcohol
programmes, noted children aged 15 and younger having problems with
Kronic.

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said retailers were reminded it
was an offence to sell cannabinoids to under-18s.

Those products were likely to be reclassified as a restricted
substance next year.