E-CIG FEARS
Warning as vapes found to contain dangerous ‘zombie’ drug Spice that triggers psychotic episodes and seizures
The substance can cause deadly reactions - do you know the health risks?
VAPES containing the highly potent “zombie” drug “Spice” are circulating in Britain, health officials warn.
E-cigarette liquid mixed with synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists — the drug’s official name — were spotted in Wales, according to Public Health Wales.
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It comes after charity bosses warned of an increase in the number of people being hospitalised by vape pens containing Spice in London.
The latest data in Wales shows of the 196 samples of e-liquids that were tested last year, 75 contained SCRAs — more than a third.
All customers who had bought the e-liquids thought they were buying cannabis or CBD liquids, they said.
Professor Rick Lines, of Public Health Wales, said: “The increased risk of overdose from high potency drugs shouldn’t be underestimated.
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“We are concerned that people may not be getting what they think they are getting, when they buy drugs online.
“Prescription drugs should only ever be obtained from a GP.
“The risk of fatal overdoses is high from some of the samples we receive, especially when substances are used by those who don’t realise the risks they pose or when they are using them in combination with other substances.”
Spice is a nickname given to synthetic cannabinoids — lab-made drugs that were originally designed to mimic the effects of cannabis.
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The drugs are much more harmful and unpredictable than cannabis and come as a powdered chemical that is dissolved or sprayed onto paper or dried plant material usually, according to the NHS.
Risks include making users unable to move, as well as causing dizziness, breathing difficulties, chest pain, heart palpitations and seizures.
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Spice can also cause paranoia, extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute kidney injuries.
It has been nicknamed the “zombie drug”, with some of the poorest parts of Britain seeing streets littered with near-unconscious addicts.
The latest data about SCRAs in vape liquids comes from the Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances service.
But it follows reports of a surge in hospitalisations caused by vapes containing Spice in London.
'Vaporesso' and 'Lemonade Cookie' pens
The charity Change Grow Live reported five people became seriously ill in the capital “after vaping from a ‘Vaporesso’ branded pen containing blue liquid in a silver and black cartridge”.
A spokesperson said: “In a separate incident people became ill after using a vape labelled ‘Lemonade Vape Cookies’.”
Both vapes contained Spice, according to the charity.
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A spokesperson said: “Vape pens containing a synthetic cannabinoid often known as Spice have led to people being taken to hospital in London recently.
“The only way to avoid all the risks is to not take drugs which are not prescribed for you.”
What are the health risks of 'Spice'?
Many people experience unpleasant and unpredictable effects and health risks after taking synthetic cannabinoids.
These include:
- inability to move
- dizziness
- breathing difficulties
- chest pain
- heart palpitations
- seizures
- extreme anxiety
- paranoia
- suicidal thoughts
- psychosis
- gastrointestinal issues – like vomiting or diarrhoea
- acute kidney injury
Source: The NHS