Study Finds Alarming Presence of Synthetic Drugs in UK Schools

Jul.26.2024

A study by BBC on July 25 reveals one in six confiscated e-cigarettes in English schools contain synthetic cannabinoids.

According to a report by the BBC on July 25th, a recent study has found that in e-cigarettes confiscated from minors in schools in England, one in every six devices contained "spice." "Spice" is a generic term for synthetic cannabinoids, which are classified as synthetic street drugs and can cause a range of dangerous side effects, including cardiac arrest. The study tested 596 e-cigarette devices confiscated from 38 schools, revealing the prevalence of this illegal synthetic street drug.

Chris Pudney, a biotechnology expert at the University of Bath, conducted tests using the world's first portable device capable of instantly detecting synthetic drugs. He collaborated with the university and police to test 596 confiscated e-cigarettes. The research revealed that approximately one in every six (16.6%) of the e-cigarettes confiscated from 38 schools in London, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and South Yorkshire contained "spice," while approximately 1.17% contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Laura Bell added that it is important to take a "proactive approach" in engaging with minors and schools.

We encourage parents and guardians to discourage their children from participating in any illegal activities, and to continue reminding them of the potential negative consequences of using drugs.

Currently, areas where schools or police have issued safety warnings include Cornwall, Devon, Kent, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, London, Middlesbrough, Somerset, and West Midlands.

References:

[1] Pupils unwittingly smoking spiked vapes, study finds

Also Read:

[1] The Rise of E-cigarette Among Australian High School Students

[2] Cyprus Parliament Urges Action Against Harmful E-Cigarette Usage

[3] Colorado Allocates $17.4 Million from Juul Labs Lawsuit

[4] Welsh Government Follows Suit in Banning Disposable E-Cigarettes

[5] Arrest Made in Lincolnshire for Selling Illegal E-Cigarettes to Minors

#Europe #Open system e-cigarettes #Regulation #England

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

62.5% of Vapers Still Use Disposables; 82% for Ages 25–34, Survey Finds

Vape retailer Haypp reports that 62.5% of vapers still use disposable vapes, rising to 82% among those aged 25–34. 35% of disposable users say they are still buying disposables. Black-market purchases reportedly come mainly from local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%), as well as supermarkets, online retailers and car boot sales. 78.5% of respondents are using pre-ban stock, posing safety risks from aging lithium-ion batteries; 14% plan to continue buying disposables,.

Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

U.S FDA Announces Dec. 8 Deadline for IQOS MRTP Renewal Comments

The U.S. FDA has set December 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET as the closing date for public comments on the MRTP renewal applications submitted by Philip Morris Products S.A. for several IQOS heated tobacco products.

Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian State Duma passes first reading of bill to ban tobacco and e-cigarette sales at public transport stops

Russia's State Duma passes first reading of bill banning tobacco and e-cigarette sales at public transport stops. (20 words)

Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports

According to Kyrgyz media, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a public discussion on a draft decree proposing a six-month ban on the import of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The measure, based on Article 15-1 of the Law “On Protecting Citizens’ Health from the Consequences of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” aims to safeguard public health and prevent youth nicotine addiction.