A DRUG and alcohol charity based in Okehampton is this week warning people in West Devon about an increase in people being harmed by using synthetic cannabis.

RISE Recovery and Integration Service has received alerts from Public Health England about the increase in incidents relating to using the highly dangerous substance often referred to as Spice.

The herbal mixtures and powders sold as cannabis substitutes contain powerful and harmful chemicals that have led to recent hospitalisations around the country and deaths in Germany and Sweden.

Sue Petters, associate director at Addaction, leading for RISE, is reminding people that synthetic cannabis is one of the more lethal legal highs and to call or drop in for any support or information.

The drugs are intended to mimic the effects of cannabis and are commonly sold sprayed onto inert herbal material.

They are also sold as powder to be added to cigarettes by users.

The most harmful chemicals may be in brands like Vertex, Sweet Leaf Obliteration and Skyhigh but other brands also contain them.

The chemicals currently causing the most concern are AB-CHMINICA and MMBCHMINACA and are currently not controlled drugs.

Sue said: 'It must be stressed that there are currently no known deaths or hospitalisations in Devon due to the drug, but it is important to raise awareness that it is circulating, which is worrying.

'Symptoms can include dizziness, persistent nausea or vomiting, chest pains, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat and convulsions and people may end up needing to go to hospital.

'This is one of the most dangerous legal highs that we have seen so far because of the unpredictable and potentially fatal effects it can have.

'If anyone is thinking of taking it assuming it will be the same as cannabis they are mistaken.

'The effects are quite different, far stronger and far more dangerous.

'If people are going to use a street drug, they should not do so alone, start with a low dose, not mix it with other substances including alcohol and if they feel unwell they should seek medical help immediately.'

For help and support with any drug or alcohol issue visit http://www.riserecovery.org.uk">www.riserecovery.org.uk