Parents urged to talk about ‘potentially fatal’ vaping substance

PARENTS and guardians across Fermanagh have been urged to talk to children about a potentially fatal vaping substance.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) announced they are focusing on ‘spice’, a synthetic drug which mimics the effects of cannabis.

‘Spice’ is a relatively new drug which has become popular in the last four years, with concerns that children are abusing the substance and becoming seriously ill.

Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said that the effects of these synthetic drugs can be ‘unpredictable’.

“Synthetic cannabinoids are relatively new drugs and evidence is still coming out about harms associated with their use. However, we do know that people can have severe reactions after using them, and using with vapes could make them even more unsafe.

“Sometimes the contents or strength of products within vapes cannot be fully verified, so the effects and duration of those effects can be unpredictable and change depending on the product and type of synthetic cannabinoid.”

“There are hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid structures, and some are stronger and more toxic than others, so there is no way of knowing what you are taking.”

Kevin further emphasised, “It is important to advise young people that regardless of what they have been told, even by a close friend, that it is impossible to know what is contained in these substances. All drugs, whether alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication, carry risks.”

If you think you or someone you know might have a problem with alcohol and/or drugs and would like to get help, please visit www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info for information on support services near you.