Health Warning issued over fake “THC VAPE” That in fact contains “SPICE”

Health agencies have warned people to avoid products sold as “THC vape juice”, “THC vape pens” or “THC oil”.

The vaping liquid, marketed as a “natural cannabis”, has also been sold as “cannabis oil” or “cannabis vape juice”, the panel said.

It was sold as both a 10ml bottle and a ready-filled cartridge.

Two incidents in the North West area led to five school-age children collapsing and being rushed to hospital.

Michael Linnell, who coordinates Greater Manchester Drug Alerts Panel, said the liquids contained the same chemicals as found in Spice.

Also known as Mamba, Spice was formerly referred to as a “legal high”, before it was outlawed in 2016.

Image caption. Southport has faced problems with Spice, which is said to leave people in a “zombie-like” state

But panel member Dr Prun Bijral described the incidents as “very worrying”.

“Fortunately it does not seem likely they will suffer any long-term harm, but we don’t want to see anyone else affected, particularly as we approach the school summer holidays,” he said.

“Young people who buy this product thinking it will have an effect similar to natural cannabis are not only being ripped off, they are also putting themselves and their friends in real danger.”

Mr Linell said: “The risk of vaping spice is far more dangerous than from a natural cannabis product.

“It is difficult for even experienced Spice users to judge dosage.

“Severe poisoning is far more common with synthetic cannabinoids than with cannabis, and in some cases the poisoning may even be fatal.”

Public Health England said it is not aware of any similar incidents in other parts of the country.