The presence of synthetic cannabinoids, like spice and K2, has been steadily increasing in recent years, not only among adults, but now alarmingly in schools across England. These potent substances have been linked to severe health complications, dependence, and even death. While previously associated with marginalised populations, such as people in prisons or those without fixed housing, recent findings suggest their use is spreading to a younger demographic through vaping.
What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?
Currently, there are over 300 known synthetic cannabinoids. These substances are far more potent than natural cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), often fully activating cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Unfortunately, research on the specific risks and effects of different synthetic cannabinoids remains limited, adding to the concern.
Synthetic Cannabinoids and the Rise of Vaping
The use of e-cigarettes or vapes has been on the rise in the UK in recent years. Despite being an age-restricted product that should not legally be sold to persons under 18, recent figures indicate that one in five 15-year-olds and 9% of all 11-14-year-olds are using vapes. Disturbingly, reports of synthetic cannabinoids being found in vape liquids have also surged.
In the 12 months to August 2024, there were 17 media reports of synthetic cannabinoid/THC-related adverse effects in British schools, in addition to many more not reported by the media. The authors of a recent study aimed to identify and quantify synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes routinely collected from schools in England.
Study Methods
Researchers collected e-cigarettes from 27 schools across diverse regions of England. E-cigarettes were sample-seized and assayed for the presence of controlled substances and their concentration. Different regions of England were anonymised at the request of local police forces.
Key Findings
Of 510 collected samples across all regions, liquid could be extracted from 454 samples. Each of these samples was analysed and those found to test positive for a controlled substance were tested for their concentration:
- A total of 89 (17.5%) tested samples were found to contain synthetic cannabinoids.
- One sample contained a low concentration (0.1 mg mL) of heroin.
- Eight samples (1.6%) were found to contain THC.
- The presence of synthetic cannabinoids was overwhelmingly detected in e-liquid (n = 81; 15.9%) and refillable device (n = 41; 8.2%) samples vs single-use e-cigarettes (n = 8; 1.6%).
- The most commonly identified synthetic cannabinoid was MDMB-4en-PINACA (present in 95% of positive samples).
The high prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids compared to the low prevalence of THC is particularly concerning. Researchers suggest young people may be unknowingly consuming these dangerous substances, believing they are vaping cannabis.
This theory is supported by the findings of a WEDINOS (a UK drug-testing service) analysis of 122 e-cigarettes where 41% of e-cigarettes submitted for testing contained synthetic cannabinoids, even though none were submitted with the intent of detecting them.
Conclusions
This study paints an alarming picture of synthetic cannabinoid use in English schools, primarily through refillable vape devices. The misconception that these products contain cannabis poses a serious risk to young people’s health.
Whilst the UK government is seeking to bring in legislation to ban single-use vapes, this is unlikely to solve the problem and could even exacerbate it. Education and awareness about the potential presence of synthetic cannabinoids in vapes are crucial in combating this issue.
This study demonstrates that synthetic cannabinoids are indeed being consumed in schools across England, almost exclusively via liquids designed to refill reusable e-cigarettes. The high prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids, contrasted with the low prevalence of THC, is likely due to pupils being sold synthetic cannabinoids e-cigarettes as cannabis. This may limit healthcare providers’ ability to provide appropriate care when adverse effects are experienced.
Parents, educators, and healthcare providers must work together to educate young people about the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids and the importance of avoiding e-cigarettes from unknown sources. Increased vigilance and testing are also necessary to protect students from these harmful substances.
