Syn City - New Zealand's Deadly Synthetic Drugs Epidemic
- Documentary
In 2013 the Psychoactive Substances Act became law in Aotearoa, effectively outlawing synthetic cannabinoids. This Vice documentary looks at how they continue to affect West Auckland — where people are still addicted, but the drugs are now on the black market. Tammara shares her experiences of trying to get clean, and dealing with treatment services. Her father rues the impact of synthetics on her life, and emergency responders add their views. Meanwhile ex user Trey talks about those he’s lost. In 2017 deaths linked to synthetic drug use showed a major spike in New Zealand.
Vice interview with Tammara, who features in this documentary, February 2018
Vice journalist James Borrowdale on this documentary, The Spinoff, February 2018
Vice article on changes to synthetic cannabis laws in NZ, February 2018
Vice article on a public talk and screening of this documentary, February 2018
Section on synthetic cannabinoids, NZ Drug Foundation website








