Impact of Rising illegal Synthetic Cannabinoid E-cigarette on UK Market

Aug.28.2024
Impact of Rising illegal Synthetic Cannabinoid E-cigarette on UK Market
UKVIA warns of impact of rising illegal "spice" e-cigarettes on legal nicotine e-cigarette retailers in UK.

According to a report from betterretailing on August 27, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has issued a warning about the rise of illegal "spice" (synthetic cannabinoids) e-cigarettes and the impact they are having on legitimate nicotine e-cigarette retailers. The UKVIA is calling on the government to urgently take action to protect young people, stating that the increase in illegal products is due to the misuse of "open" e-cigarette devices that allow users to add their own e-liquid, which can then transmit synthetic cannabinoids like "spice" and the psychoactive chemical THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) found in cannabis.


According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), "spice" is considered more harmful and unpredictable than marijuana.


John Dunne, CEO of UKVIA, stated that consumers can have peace of mind when purchasing e-cigarettes from reputable suppliers, as the nicotine e-cigarettes they are buying are designed to help them transition from traditional cigarettes. However, he also expressed concern that e-cigarette devices obtained from unofficial channels may contain illegal drugs, and purchasers may have no idea what ingredients are in these products.


According to data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) in the UK, out of 12,418 underage individuals who had contact with alcohol and drug services between April 2022 and March 2023, cannabis was the most common substance sought for treatment (87%). Among the 10,837 young people reported to have cannabis issues, 1,737 individuals also reported having nicotine issues.


In addition, UKVIA supports the introduction of a national e-cigarette licensing system, which will provide over 50 million pounds annually to combat illegal e-cigarette sales, while imposing a £10,000 fine on convicted unethical retailers.


Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.

The Rise of a Global Black Market in Nicotine Pouches
The Rise of a Global Black Market in Nicotine Pouches
As global demand for oral nicotine products surges, a shadow supply chain is quietly taking hold—powered by counterfeit manufacturing, brand exploitation, and regulatory blind spots. A 2Firsts investigation has uncovered how unauthorized ZYN and VELO pouches, priced as low as $1 per can, are sold in bulk on Chinese B2B platforms and exported to Western markets with little oversight.
May.06
U.S. Court Backs FDA Ban on Bidi Vapor’s Tobacco-Flavored E-Cigarettes
U.S. Court Backs FDA Ban on Bidi Vapor’s Tobacco-Flavored E-Cigarettes
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the FDA’s decision to deny marketing authorization for Bidi Vapor LLC’s tobacco-flavored e-cigarette product, Bidi Stick - Classic.
Apr.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tobacco Growers Discuss Shared Challenges and Opportunities at ITGA Regional Meeting
Tobacco Growers Discuss Shared Challenges and Opportunities at ITGA Regional Meeting
The ITGA Americas meeting gathered growers and stakeholders from key regions to address climate impacts, rising production costs, and shifting global demand. 2Firsts was invited to attend, with Editor-in-Chief Taco Tuinstra reporting on-site.
Jun.04
2Firsts Global Monthly Review of Next-Generation Tobacco Products (May 2025)
2Firsts Global Monthly Review of Next-Generation Tobacco Products (May 2025)
In May 2025, the global novel tobacco market remained active with new product launches. ELFBAR introduced its first disposable shisha-style e-cigarette, DOJO released a high-puff compliant device in the UK, and IVG added smart features to its lineup. In heated tobacco and nicotine pouches, lil HYBRID 3.0 entered Japan, while GEEKBAR launched a new pouch product.
May.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia Proposes Using Tobacco License Fees to Fund COPD Treatment
Russia Proposes Using Tobacco License Fees to Fund COPD Treatment
Russia’s Democratic Forces have proposed using revenue from retail licenses for nicotine-containing products to fund treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
May.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korea e-cigarette import of e-liquid increases annually, hits $85.64M in 2024, up 39.5%.
South Korea e-cigarette import of e-liquid increases annually, hits $85.64M in 2024, up 39.5%.
South Korea's e-cigarette market sees a surge in demand for synthetic nicotine products, with imports reaching $85.64 million in 2024.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai