The New Zealand makers of Kronic have thumbed their noses at Australian lawmakers and introduced a new product which circumvents a ban on synthetic cannabis products.
Last month, Australia banned eight synthetic cannabinoids. However, the Auckland-based company behind Kronic has introduced a new "100% legal" product - "Black Label" - especially for the Australian market.
"Containing no banned substances, the latest in our line of premium, home-grown smoking blends will deliver you a smooth, haze-filled blaze. The height of innovation, Black Label combines a fruity tropical flavour with a smooth long-lasting duration," the company's website stated.
Australian authorities were analysing the latest product, and it may also be banned.
National Poisons Centre toxicologist Leo Schep, of Dunedin, said there were hundreds of cannabinoids available to manufactures out to make a "fast buck".
"They try and anticipate what is going to happen, and tweak their formulations accordingly."
Dr Schep said the New Zealand-based company was able to introduce a new product within weeks of its products being banned.
"There are hundreds of these different analogues available."
He was confident changes set to be introduced to Parliament this week would move the onus of responsibility to the manufacturers.
Last week, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne told the Otago Daily Times he would spearhead "strong" new amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act in Parliament this week.
"The view is there are other products in the pipeline."
While tightlipped over those amendments, Mr Dunne promised to address the public's concern over the availability of synthetic cannabinoids.
