A white tablet expected to contain Alprazolam was found to contain a synthetic cannabinoid –
AB-MDMSBA.

What is AB- MDMSBA?

AB-MDMSBA is a novel synthetic cannabinoid and is structurally similar to other known synthetic cannabinoids.

Synthetic cannabinoids are not the same as natural cannabis.

We know very little about its specific effects and it has no references in clinical literature or reported harm events.

People who have experienced it, report they did not like its effects.

AB-MDMSBA has been detected by drug checking services in Australia and New Zealand, being represented as a benzodiazepine.

Other synthetic cannabinoids have been linked to serious harm including death.

What do you know about synthetic cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids can have harmful and unpredictable effects, which may include:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Nausea, or vomiting
• Seizures
• High body temperature
• Sedation, drowsiness
• Confusion, loss of touch with reality
• Paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Loss of consciousness

Recognise the signs that someone needs help

Call Triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has any of the below
symptoms after taking this substance.

• Cannot be woken up
• Experiencing difficulty breathing or
• breathing stops
• Has a seizure
• Experiences chest pains
• A very fast beating heart

Harm reduction tips

• Start low, go slow – Start off with a small amount to check how it affects you. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t take more.
• Every tablet is different – even tablets that look the same, can contain different doses or ingredients. Test your drugs.
• Carry naloxone – whilst it won’t reverse an AB-MDMSBA overdose, it will not cause harm to administer if someone is showing signs of an overdose and you’re unsure if they have consumed opioids.
• Don’t use alone – Have a friend who can help, and call an ambulance, if things go wrong.
• Call triple zero ‘000’ if you are concerned.