Is there spice in vapes?

18 Feb

I remember the first time someone brought a vape into my school. Back then, it was something completely new – whispers spread through the corridors, and everyone talked about it. Fast forward to today, and vaping has become the norm. So much so, I’ll sometimes see young people, barely teenagers, walking the streets with vapes in hand, and I can’t help but think: How did they even get a hold of that?

Recently, reports have started to surface about the alarming addition of spice (synthetic cannabinoids) to vapes, raising serious concerns about the hidden dangers young people might be inhaling. A few years ago, I started hearing about ‘THC vapes’ from people I’d gone to school with. They claimed they were harmless, but I always wondered: How do we know what’s really in them? That question has always stuck with me – and is why I’m writing this today.

Vaping alone is already a concern

Even without additives like space, vaping poses risks – particularly for young people. According to the NHS, 9% of 11–15-year-olds in the UK vape regularly, and that number is rising. These devices are often marketed as a ‘safer’ alternative to smoking, but the truth Is, they’re not without harm. Research has shown links between vaping and respiratory issues, nicotine addiction, and even impacts on mental health.

Now, with spice being added into the mix, the dangers become even more alarming. Spice – also called synthetic cannabinoids – is a man-made drug designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. But unlike cannabis, spike is unpredictable and far more potent, often causing severe side effects like paranoia, hallucinations and even organ damage. According to a report from the UK Home Office (2021), synthetic cannabinoids are responsible for an increasing number of hospital admissions, especially among young people.

How does spice end up in vapes?

It’s scary to think about how easily substances like spice can make their way into vape products. Reports from trading standards and the UK Home Office (2024) have raised concerns about how easily these substances are sold online and through unregulated channels, like the Black Market. In some cases, spice is added to vapes intentionally to give users a stronger ‘hit’, while in others, it’s disguised as THC or other substances.

A study by the University of Bath in July 2024 found that one in six vapes confiscated from pupils across 38 schools in England contained the illegal drug. The problem is most people – especially young people – don’t know what they’re inhaling. And this is where it hits close to home – did my peers know what they were smoking? A vape that looks perfectly legitimate could contain harmful chemicals, and there’s no way to tell by looking at it.

What are the signs that somebody is under the influence of spice?

Unfortunately, spotting someone under the influence of spice is trickier than with other substances. Spice can take hold quickly and often produces unpredictable reactions. However, these are a few signs to look for if you suspect someone may be affected:

Severe confusion or disorientation
Aggressive or paranoid behaviour
Hallucinations
Physical Symptoms - Rapid eye movements, shaking, or uncoordinated movements.
“Zombie-like” Symptoms - Some reports of spice use describe individuals becoming zombie-like, with a blank stare or an inability to respond appropriately to their surroundings.

How can we protect young people?

Thinking back to when I first saw a vape at school, it’s clear that vaping has shifted from something whispered about between lessons to being so visible in everyday life. The clouds of vapour might be easy to see, but the hidden dangers – like the potential for spice and other harmful substance – are concealed beneath the plastic.

Protecting young people from the dangers of vaping and spice isn’t just about banning products or telling them to stay away; it’s about opening channels for honest conversations. But we know what young people often don’t want to talk to adults about sensitive topics like these. That’s where tools like Peerscroller come in. By offering clear, accurate information through short videos, filmed by other young people, Peerscroller empowers students to make informed decisions and engage with difficult issues in a way that feels relatable and comfortable for them.

It's also important for parents, teachers and schools to stay informed. Many may not realise just how widespread the issue of spice-laced vapes has become, or just how easy it is for young people to access these products. By providing ongoing education and having open conversations, we can help bridge the gap and support young people in making safer decisions.

Key takeaways - what do you need to know?

Spice (synthetic cannabinoids) is a potent and dangerous substance now being found in vapes.
Even without additives like spice, vaping poses significant risks to young people’s health.
Education and awareness are key to helping young people make safer choices.
Tools like Peerscroller can provide valuable resources for tackling issues like vaping and substance misuse.