A recent study conducted by several British universities has revealed that vapes seized in secondary schools throughout England contain Spice, also known as the ‘zombie drug’. The research analyzed 1,923 e-cigarettes and e-liquids obtained from 114 schools in seven regions of England. Shockingly, Spice was found in 13% of the samples, with higher rates of approximately 25% in London and Lancashire. This discovery follows incidents from the previous year where students were hospitalized, with one falling into a coma after using vapes containing the synthetic drug.
Led by Professor Chris Pudney from Bath University, the study also highlighted the easy availability of spice-laced vapes online. Many of these products are falsely labeled as containing THC, the active component in cannabis, when in reality, they contain Spice, a more hazardous and inexpensive substance.
Professor Pudney emphasized the accessibility of Spice e-liquids on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, pointing out the prevalence of apparent drug dealing through these channels. This deceptive marketing can mislead young individuals into unknowingly consuming a highly addictive and harmful substance, leading to severe health issues such as psychosis, seizures, and heart complications.
Spice, a synthetic drug designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, has gained popularity in certain communities and is prevalent in prison environments. Its usage can result in various adverse effects, including immobilization, dizziness, breathing problems, chest pain, heart palpitations, and seizures, along with psychological issues like paranoia, suicidal tendencies, psychosis, and kidney injuries.
The research, which involved University College London, Manchester Metropolitan University, and other academic institutions, identified a concerning trend on social media platforms. Despite THC being a controlled substance in the UK, the study found numerous TikTok and Instagram accounts offering vapes purportedly containing THC for sale, when in fact, they were selling Spice.
The report recommended stricter enforcement measures by Ofcom, the UK’s media and communications regulator, to combat online drug sales. Prof Pudney urged social media companies to remove accounts selling these harmful substances to minors, emphasizing the urgent need to address the risks associated with online drug distribution.
In response, Ofcom highlighted the importance of swiftly removing illegal drug-related content from social media platforms under the Online Safety Act. The regulatory body emphasized that companies failing to comply could face substantial fines, reinforcing the need for effective measures to prevent the promotion and sale of illicit substances online.
The study’s authors, alongside advocacy groups like the Daniel Spargo-Mabbs Foundation, are advocating for enhanced enforcement actions to protect young individuals from the dangers of Spice and other illicit drugs being promoted online. They stress the critical role of social media platforms in ensuring a safe online environment and the importance of collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug sales on the internet.