Schools across the UK face a growing, insidious threat. Children are unwittingly vaping Spice, a dangerous synthetic drug, mistaking it for cannabis or THC. This growing trend spans every social demographic, putting students at risk of addiction and severe health consequences.

The new “epidemic”, as labelled by leading researchers including Professor Chris Pudney, was discovered after a study conducted by a partnership of bodies, including the University of Bath and schools in Greater Manchester. After testing 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England, including four in Greater Manchester, Professor Pudney found that 17% contained Spice. This revelation highlights the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and protective measures in educational settings.

The Alarming Spread of Spice in Schools

Spice has infiltrated schools since 2019, but its prevalence is rising. Professor Pudney’s findings reveal that Spice-laced vapes are ubiquitous across different areas and social strata. In a recent interview, he stated,  “You’d struggle to find a school where Spice isn’t present.” The drug typically appears in small bottles of vape liquid, often marketed as THC oil. Unaware of the contents, students purchase these vapes through street dealers or social media platforms. 

The low cost, just a few pounds per tube, makes it easily accessible to young people. This clandestine nature of Spice distribution poses significant challenges for school administrators and police officers.

Health Risks and Incidents Associated with Vaping Spice

The health risks associated with Spice-laced vapes are severe and immediate. There have been multiple reported incidents of students collapsing after just one puff. In one Greater Manchester school, two children collapsed, including one in the playground, after unknowingly vaping Spice.

Spice poses unique dangers compared to cannabis. Its effects are more potent and unpredictable, potentially leading to cardiac arrest. The risk increases when students use these vapes alone, without anyone to monitor their condition or seek help if needed. Therefore, schools must prioritise educating students about these risks and the importance of not using unknown vapes, especially in isolation.

Proactive Measures: What Can Schools Do to Protect Children from Spice-Laced Vapes?

Traditional detection methods struggle to identify Spice in vape liquids. Unlike cannabis, Spice doesn’t have a distinctive smell, making it challenging for school staff to detect through conventional means. What’s worse is that Spice is incredibly difficult to detect in a liquid, the format used for vaping. While Professor Pudney and his team at the University of Bath have developed a liquid Spice detector, the kit is still in its infancy, and its use is minimal (currently being trialled with Devon and Cornwall Police).  

The best solution most likely comes in the form of proactively stopping vaping altogether, given that it’s almost impossible to detect Spice in a vape liquid without specialist equipment. In that regard, vape detection solutions, such as those provided by Volan, are perhaps the best ways for schools to protect their students against the hidden dangers of Spice-laced vapes. 

Protect Your Students Against the Dangers of Vaping Spice with Volan

Vaping is a growing crisis within the UK, with almost one million children admitting they have tried e-cigarettes. All it takes is for one of those vapes to contain Spice, and the outcome could be catastrophic. Many, including Professor Pudney, have indicated it’s a matter of “when” not “if” a young person dies from vaping the potent drug.

If you’re worried about the threat vaping poses in your school, Volan’s advanced vape detection systems offer a powerful solution to combat this ever-increasing problem behaviour. Our cutting-edge technology identifies vaping activity quickly and discreetly, allowing your designated staff to intervene before students unknowingly consume dangerous substances. By implementing our systems, you can create a strong deterrent, discouraging vaping on school premises and reducing students’ risk of exposure to Spice and other harmful substances.

Don’t wait for a tragedy to strike your school. Contact Volan today to learn more about how our vape detection systems work and how we can help safeguard your educational environment. In the meantime, feel free to browse our website to learn more about pricing and how our systems work.