A man smokes marijuana using an apple adapted with a pipe during a demonstration calling for the legalisation of the drug in Guatemala City November 24, 2012.
If the matter were just up to Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, their ice cream company, Ben & Jerry’s, would probably be making and selling marijuana-flavoured ice cream in the three states where recreational marijuana is legal. Their openness to the idea stems from the fact that the two men admit to using cannabis. That’s why their view of weed goes beyond making a gelato that would cause the eater to become “high” but a belief that smoking – or ingesting weed in other forms – is okay. A man smokes marijuana using an apple adapted with a pipe during a demonstration calling for the legalisation of the drug in Guatemala City November 24, 2012. Reuters/Jorge Dan Lopez

Synthetic cannabis users in New Zealand have started smoking incense to get high. According to reports, all psychoactive substances were banned after the government crackdown on the controversial products. However, others have found a way to get their cheap thrills with R18 aromatherapy products available for sale in Oamaru. Reports said the burning incense products are designed to be used as an intense burning vessel to generate a "gentle euphoric effect." Authorities have been on the lookout for the products since they were being used as an alternative for legal highs.

In a report by the Otago Daily Times, the Ministry of Health Office of Psychoactive Substances spokesperson said incense products will be investigated. If the product claims to have a euphoric effect, it can be classified as a psychoactive substance. The ingredients were also not specified on the product's packaging. The ministry spokesperson explained that if the product is "smoked," it should not be sold to Kiwis below 18.

According to Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy, Oamaru police are currently investigating the sale of incense for any instance of a law violation. Authorities had identified the product as "Firebird," which is advertised for aromatherapy.

Reports said the ingredients of the aromatherapy product are not listed on the label and is only described as a "blend of exotic South American and Southeast Asian herbs." Although the product is non-toxic and does not contain any illegal substance, authorities have declared it "not intended for human consumption."

Dr Leo Schep, a toxicologist for the National Poisons Centre in Dunedin, said people who choose to smoke incense should be aware of the risks. He explained that people may not know what happens once they smoke it. Long-term respiratory problems might be experienced later on, Schep said. Some smokers could also develop allergic reactions.

New Zealand is one of the countries with the highest consumption rate of cannabis in the world, but previous polls revealed most people are opposed to the legalisation of marijuana. According to the United Nations, the country ranked eighth in marijuana consumption. Despite the high rate, New Zealanders are against legalisation of the drug partly due to the damage they have seen when people use legal highs.

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