Hamilton City leaders are set to declare war on synthetic drugs, and have ordered urgent work by council staff to investigate a trailblazing citywide ban on their sale and supply.

The city council has unanimously voted to start urgent work on a policy that they hope will limit where they can be sold sufficiently to strangle the market.

The moves have been led by Councillor Angela O'Leary and follow a Hamilton police bust that saw the seizure of more than 2000 cannabinoid products.

Ms O'Leary asked staff to urgently draft an approved products policy in line with the Psychoactive Substances Act with the aim of restricting their sale. Council unanimously supported her move despite concern over enforcement.

Ms Oleary hopes that by banning the sale and supply of legal highs in enough locations, such as near schools and parks, an effective ban can be achieved.

She said council had to react quickly to the new laws to prevent "puff stores" popping up, and that liquor stores were an example of what would happen.

"It is lucrative enough for one dairy to change overnight their entire business model..imagine the landscape in three to five years," said Ms O'Leary.

Councillor Martin Gallagher said it was important not to criminalise users.

"The focus should be on those greedy and grotty people who attempt to turn a buck at the expense of our children and grandchildren," said Mr Gallagher.

He advocated a joint approach with the district health board on the issue.

Councillor Dave Macpherson said the law had holes to drive a truck through.

"The legal highs industry has shown itself perfectly capable of exploiting any loopholes. It's an evil, insidious industry, and it's

got no morals," he said.

However several councillors questioned how such a policy could be enforced, prompting a request to investigate whether a bylaw may be more effective.

Councillor Margaret Forsyth said a policy lacked the teeth that were needed.

"It's our local kids whose lives are being destroyed, and it's a collaborative approach with the police, the DHB and community members," she said.

Councillor Peter Bos said the issue was another case of central government throwing problems onto councils and expecting ratepayers to pay twice.

"When we see these problems, we tend to pick it up, cuddle the stray cat, and then pay for it. Why are we continuously doing this?" said Mr Bos.

Staff will report back to the council next month on the potential for new restrictions on synthetic drugs, whether through a new policy or bylaw.

However Mayor Julie Hardaker cautioned her colleagues over the likelihood a citywide ban can be achieved under the legislation: "I seriously doubt we can achieve a city wide ban, to be frank, let's not get our hopes up," she said.