THC Vapes Posted or Updated on 12 Sep 2024

Nationally there have been concerns raised with Cannabis vapes and edibles and particularly their use by children, which has led to multiple near fatal overdoses. There have also been deaths linked to Cannabis edibles in the last two years.

Cannabis is regarded by many as a 'safe' drug, with a low risk of overdose. However, this is not the case and particularly when higher strength THC products are ingested or vaporised, they can easily lead to an overdose.

Worryingly, some edibles products and vape pens sold as containing THC actually contain even more potent chemicals, including synthetic drugs like Spice {SCRAs). SCRAs are not derived from cannabis but affect the same receptors in the brain. They are also far more potent and carry an even greater risk of overdose leading to breathing difficulties, seizures and even death.

In December, a child in Essex collapsed in school after using another pupil's vape pen. A further similar incident happened in Essex in January and the same school reported they had unsubstantiated reports of similar occurrences in the same school. In both cases, no vape pens were recovered, so we have been unable to submit anything for testing. Several more recent incidents in schools have involved Cannabis edibles, with at least one requiring Hospital treatment.

Areas including Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Humberside and London have reported multiple similar incidents in schools resulting in Hospital treatment, with a large percentage of the vapes found to contain SCRAs. It is important that any suspicious vapes or edible products are secured and any such incidents reported to Police.