Teens overdose on synthetic cannabis in central Geelong shopping precinct

THREE teens were taken to hospital after overdosing from the effects of synthetic cannabis in the middle of a Geelong shopping precinct.

THREE teens were taken to hospital after overdosing from the effects of synthetic cannabis in the middle of a Geelong shopping precinct.

Paramedics rushed to the Centrepoint Arcade, off Little Malop St in central Geelong, about 2pm on Monday after responding to reports the youths were unconscious.

The Geelong Advertiser observed one young man struggle to stand before he was given oxygen and other assistance before being loaded into the back of a waiting ambulance.

A fourth teen was treated on scene but left with friends.

The youths had been smoking the legal, artificial marijuana before the group fell ill.

He was treated at the scene.

Half a dozen friends tried unsuccessfully to help them before paramedics were called.

Police said due to the nature of the substance, officers were there only for "welfare issues".

A Barwon Health spokeswoman said people who took synthetic drugs, such as illegal drugs, could experience psychotic episodes, impaired judgment and even heart attacks.

"As with any drugs, there are dangers and you're risking psychosis, you're risking your heart and also the potential to cause long-term mental health issues," she said.

"The side-effects are fairly unpredictable because you don't know what you're taking."

The three Geelong teens remained in a stable condition in Geelong Hospital yesterday afternoon.

Read more of the report in the Geelong Advertiser.