One in four vapes confiscated from secondary school pupils in London and Lancashire contain the dangerous synthetic drug ’spice’, according to a new study by the University of Bath.
Researchers tested 1,923 seized vapes from 114 schools across seven regions in England.
While spice was found in 13% of samples overall, the figure rose to around 25% in London and Lancashire.
The study also revealed that spice-laced e-liquids are easily available online, with researchers uncovering a widespread and overt market on social media platforms.
These products are often deceptively marketed as ‘THC’ (cannabis) vapes, despite containing spice - a far more dangerous and cheaper substance.
This was mirrored in the real-world data, where only 1.2% of vapes and e-liquids confiscated in schools contained THC, compared to 13% containing spice.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Chris Pudney said: “Spice e-liquids are trivially available on social media like TikTok and Instagram, with apparent drug dealing on these platforms. A simple search of social media platforms brings up hundreds of accounts selling this material, making them incredibly easy for young people to find.
“Spice is much cheaper than THC. Young people think they’re buying a cannabis product but instead they’re being pushed a highly addictive, cheap drug with unpredictable and serious health effects, such as psychosis, seizures and heart problems.”
Jamie Strachan operations director at vape retailer VPZ said: “For too long, social media platforms and rogue online sellers have been allowed to flood the UK with illegal, unregulated vaping products. Prefilled vapes and prefilled vape pods, which are the products most often targeted at children and exploited by the black market, are at the very centre of this problem.
“This is why it is vital that the government urgently prioritises the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and includes a ban on prefilled pods. Without decisive action, we risk another academic year where children continue to be targeted, exploited and harmed by dangerous products.
“The UK has a strong track record in tobacco harm reduction through responsible, regulated vape retailing – but this is being undermined by an explosion of illicit supply. We need tougher enforcement, proper resourcing of regulators like Ofcom, and a robust Bill that clamps down on irresponsible actors while protecting adult smokers who rely on vaping as a proven quit tool.
“The health and safety of young people must come first. The government must act now to close loopholes, ban prefilled pods, and stop the black market from exploiting our children.”
No comments yet