A.K.A: N-bomb, Smiles, Smiley paper
NBOMes are a group of potent synthetic psychedelic drugs that mimic some of the effects of LSD. Like LSD, NBOMes are often found on square pieces of blotter paper, or ‘tabs’.
NBOMes can make you see, hear, and feel things that aren’t really there- these are called ‘hallucinations’. They can also make you feel paranoid, nauseous, feverish, and emotionally distressed.
NBOMes have been linked to many deaths overseas, as they can cause your body temperature to become dangerously high.
Caution
In New Zealand, NBOMe is sometimes sold as LSD. NBOMe can have more dangerous and unpleasant effects than other hallucinogenic drugs. Drug checking recently found 25B-NBOH, which is related to NBOMes and may have similar effects and risks.
Like LSD, NBOMes are usually sold as blotting paper (tabs), pills, liquid or powder. You can’t tell the difference just by looking at them.
Usually swallowed. Taking less can reduce chance of overdose, as can waiting an hour for effects to kick in.
Be aware that different types of NBOMe have different strengths and are different to LSD.
Use drug checking services to make sure you know what you have. You can also test them yourself with reagent tests.
Related data
New Zealand is losing three people a week to preventable overdose, while hospitalisations from stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are increasing alongside a recent surge in consumption.
Our annual report compiling coronial and hospitalisation data.
There is common ground among parties on reducing drug harms and supporting addiction treatment, suggesting progress can be made in the next term.