Scientists from the University of Bath analyzed vapes confiscated from children in English schools and found that 13% contained spice, a synthetic cannabinoid often sold as a cheaper substitute for THC or CBD. In certain regions, the contamination rate reached 25%, while analysis of samples labeled as cannabis products showed 39% contained spice instead.
Spice differs significantly from natural cannabis in its chemical structure and effects. Where THC in cannabis partially binds to cell receptors, spice binds much more strongly as a “full agonist,” creating substantially more potent effects. According to a Global Drugs Survey from 2015, the risk of requiring emergency medical treatment when using spice was 30 times greater than when using high-potency cannabis varieties. Potential acute health effects include dissociative symptoms, psychosis, aggression, hypertensive crisis, seizures, and cardiac arrest, with the onset of effects potentially occurring rapidly and intensely.
These vapes are readily available on social media platforms, with estimates suggesting that 68% of products purchased through TikTok contained spice compared to 12% from Facebook. The products are often inexpensive—sometimes sold for as little as £10—and difficult to detect, as they produce no distinctive odor unlike cannabis vapes. Spice is also highly addictive, which researchers warn places vulnerable young people at increased risk, including those who may resort to theft to fund their use or become dependent on drug dealers.
The profitability of spice production creates strong incentives for continued distribution. Manufacturing costs are minimal—approximately £1,000 to £1,500 in raw materials from China can yield a kilogram of product worth approximately £1 million when sold as vape liquid. While the Online Safety Act requires technology companies to address drug content on their platforms, enforcement remains inconsistent, and academic researchers have called for stronger regulatory action through Ofcom to penalize companies for non-compliance. Experts note that laboratory testing is currently the only reliable method for identifying whether a vape contains actual cannabis or synthetic alternatives.
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