There have been worrying news reports and alerts circulated by schools recently which have highlighted issues with contaminated vapes. These are sold as THC (the chemical component of cannabis) vapes but actually contain strong synthetic cannabinoids known as ‘spice’.
Dangers of spice in vapes explained
The charity Cranstoun, which supports people with drug problems, warned that spice can be highly dangerous. Its alert issued last month stated the effects from synthetic cannabinoids are very different from THC and cannabis and they can take hold very quickly. Additionally, even if you tolerated one version of spice you would not tolerate a different type and this could lead to an overdose.
It is illegal to sell THC vapes in the UK. In countries where they are legal Cranstoun said they cost considerably more than nicotine vapes. The charity added, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
“Whatever you are told about it containing weed or THC, it is unlikely that it does, and the effect will not be what you expected.”
The advice from the charity to young people is not to vape at all. However, for those tempted to vape when they are told it contains THC is to breathe normally and not inhale deeply. They also advise people never to share vapes, or to use them alone or in confined spaces. If anyone they know has vaped and are then unwell, they should call for help or for an ambulance.
Warnings about illicit vapes after hospitalisations
There have been confirmed cases in London of confiscated vapes sold as THC vapes, which were actually laced with spice. Contaminated vapes, laced with ‘spice’ led to five young people in Greenwich being hospitalised in January, according to a message from Ealing Public Health which was shared on the London Borough council’s communication platform for its schools.
There were already concerns about children using THC vapes, after students at a school in Burnley were reportedly hospitalised last year. There are also continuing worries about other forms of illegal vapes that could be damaging for young people. Middlesbrough, Brighton & Hove City Council and Hampshire County Council are among the local authorities issuing warnings about illicit and contaminated vapes over the past year after seizures by their local Police and Trading Standards staff.
Supporting young people
As there are potentially even greater harms out there from vapes laced with spice, being able to talk to young people, and educate them about all the risks of vaping, could prevent more serious health problems and hospitalisation.
We supply the powerful vape detector, the HALO Smart Sensor, which can help those dealing with young people vaping, particularly in schools. If you would like to know more, please get in touch.