TIMES WORKERS TEST 'LEGAL-HIGHS'

The Southland Times this week decided to find out how strong the
"legal-high" pre-rolled joints are that some city children have been
smoking.

We bought a Kronic pre-rolled joint from the Tay St Night 'n Day
Foodstore for $15, with a shop assistant saying they also sold Kronic
in pouches, which was a much stronger blend and cost $20.

Times editor Fred Tulett, a cigarette smoker, yesterday smoked most of
the pre-rolled joint to get an indication of its effects.

Mr Tulett said it was dry and harsh on his throat and gave him no buzz
initially. But after 15 minutes he was feeling light-headed and there
was a tingling feeling in the bottom part of his legs and feet.

Three hours after smoking it, Mr Tulett said it had certainly given
him a buzz that was "not an unpleasant feeling" and he still had the
tingling sensation in his lower legs.

Times reporter Scot MacKay, who also tested it and had half a dozen
puffs, said it took 10 minutes for him to start feeling high. The high
lasted less than five minutes, he said.

"There were definite changes in my mood."

Invercargill student Sarah Lamont, 21, said she smoked one for the
first time on Friday and after one hour its effects kicked in. She did
lots of talking and was excitable, she said.

Groups of young people could smoke the joints in the public domain
without fear of recrimination, she said.

"It appears to be the new craze for the young ones. It's legal and
it's so accessible."