Australian miners seem to be working ‘high’ on a drug similar to cannabis. The substance called Kronic is marketed as, “the closest thing to legal weed on the market”. Made in New Zealand, Kronic can be bought legally and is undetectable via on site drug tests.
It is dangerous as health officials from the West Australian Drug and Alcohol Authority have confirmed that it imitates the effect of cannabis such as producing a high, causing fatigue, headaches, disorientation, and hallucinations in users. These can be potentially problematic at work.
Mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have expressed concern about the usage of the drug as it would potentially affect workplace safety in the industry. The West Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy called for an investigation into the drug usage.
The Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett said that if it is harmful and has the same harmful effects as cannabis, which includes all sorts of physical and mental effects, then we would look at whether it should be available for sale here.
The Drug and Alcohol Office's Gary Kirby said users of the drug suffered short-term fatigue, dehydration, nausea and headaches. Mr Kirbysaid other countries reported that it caused agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and disorientation. He added that it was banned in some countries. It alters mood and perception and should be avoided.
The manufacturer does warn not to attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of Kronic.