Spice drug use 'all too common' in NI - PHA

The use of 'Spice', which mimics the effect of cannabis, is all too common in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has warned.

Side effects from the synthetic drug can include nausea and mood swings, as well as a loss of muscle coordination.

Kevin Bailey from the PHA said synthetic cannabinoids are relatively new and evidence is still being gathered.

"We do know that people can have severe reactions after using them," he said.

"Using with vapes could make them even more unsafe," the agency's regional lead for drugs and alcohol added.

He told Good Morning Ulster: "It's normally found in herbal form mixed with plant parts or vegetable parts, and it's also available in an oil.

"More recently we've seen Spice being available as a liquid form that is being used in e-cigarettes or vaping pens."

"There is a demand for this locally in Northern Ireland and where there is a demand people will find a way to supply and make money out of that demand. Unfortunately it's all too common," Mr Bailey said, who explained young children were also vaping.

"Our concern is that individuals have found a way to exploit people wanting to try and test new things and merging that together with something dangerous like putting Spice oil into vapes."

Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) charity suggest 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds in the UK now vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1% in 2020.

It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18, but disposable ones - often sold in smaller, more colourful packaging than refillable ones - are a "key driver behind the alarming rise in youth vaping", according to the UK government.

The PHA has encouraged parents and guardians to have a conversation with children and young people about the dangers of vaping potentially dangerous unknown substances.

Mr Bailey added: "We're unfortunately hearing reports of primary school age children vaping, so it is happening now in Northern Ireland.

"So I would suggest not to wait until they [parents or guardians] perceive there to be a problem but actually to think about prevention and early conversations with their children and young people."

Earlier this year, the Health Minister Robin Swann announced Northern Ireland will be included in Westminster's Tobacco and Vapes bill subject to approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: "Our Neighbourhood Policing Team officers are working closely with our partners and have been visiting schools to warn of the dangers involved in vaping substances that do not come from reputable retailers."