Mackay police have issued a warning about synthetic cannabis after it was linked to the death of a 33-year-old man on Tuesday afternoon.
It’s believed the earlier admission of a 41-year-old man suffering from a life-threatening medical condition might also be related to the substance.
Police are investigating the possible ties between each case and synthetic cannabis, which can be purchased online and in some suburban shops.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Executive Director Clinical Services Dr David Farlow said they had seen an increase in the number of presentations for synthetic drug use.
“People need to be cautious about consuming these products where the ingredients are unknown,” he said.
“These drugs pose a major risk to an individual’s physical and mental health and the community.”
Detective Acting Inspector Sam Bliss said synthetic drugs were not harmless.
“The chemical compounds found in these drugs are dangerous and are not herbal or natural alternatives to ‘real drugs’,” he said.
“Synthetic cannabinoidomimetic drugs are included in Schedule 2 of the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987 and offences exist for possessing, producing, supplying and or trafficking in dangerous drugs, which includes so-called synthetic products containing these substances.”
Acting Inspector Bliss said anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.