An email obtained by the Otago Daily Times from the makers of Kronic reveal their products contain as many as eight plant varieties.
The ODT understands the plants were chosen not for their psychoactive effect but for their resemblance to cannabis.
However, chemicals sprayed on the plant matter to give users the desired high are not listed.
Typically, synthetic cannabis varieties contain several cannabinoids, such as JWH 018 and JWH 073.
Synthetic cannabinoids mimic THC, the principal active component of cannabis, and their developer, Dr John Huffman , of Clemson University, South Carolina has been reported as saying they "can be made by a halfway decent undergraduate chemistry major".
Last week the Ministry of Health recalled Kronic variety Pineapple Express after it was found to contain phenazepam, a benzodiazepine used in the short-term treatment of anxiety and as an anticonvulsant.
Also recalled last week was Juicy Puff Super Strength, which was found to contain the same banned prescription medicine.
The distributors of both products said the prescription medicine was a contaminant and they were investigating how it happened.
Yesterday, the major players in the legal highs industry vowed to tighten up regulations around synthetic cannabis.
Eight industry leaders met in Auckland yesterday to discuss ways of avoiding further bans.
In a joint statement, the companies vowed to:
- Test all synthetic cannabinoids before makingthem available for sale.
- Refrain from advertising, other than advertisements at the point of sale.
- Comply with the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs Act in respect of all cannabinoid products, whether or not the compounds they contain are restricted substances.
- Comply immediately with Ministry of Health requests for product recalls.
But Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne was sceptical about the industry's motives.
"When any group that has, for years, done absolutely nothing to help keep the users of its products safe suddenly wants to self-regulate, then you know one of two things has happened - it has either developed a conscience, or it can see a drastic impact on its cashflow," he said.
"Call me cynical, but I am suspecting the latter here. These people do not have a track record of responsible dealings."
Amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act would go before Parliament in the next few weeks, Mr Dunne said.
Dr James Knight, of the Southern District Health Board child and adolescent mental health service and medical director for mental health services, said he was concerned these products were being marketed as herbal and safe.
"Use it at your own risk, that is what we are telling people."
He said the distributors were being deceitful by not disclosing exactly what was in the product.
"The problem is people see that marketing and they see it as a natural cannabis alternative ... it is herbal ... it is good for you. But it is just plant matter sprayed with chemicals and synthetic cannabis. That is what gets you off your face."
Plant matter in Kronic
Baybean (Canavalia maritima), blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), dwarf skullcap (Scuttelaria nana), Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora), lion's tail (Leonotis leonurus), maconha brava (Zornia latifolia), pink lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), Siberian motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus)
