A growing number of schoolchildren in England are using vapes containing illegal substances such as THC and Spice, according to new findings from a health survey in Blackburn and Darwen.
The figures, presented by Healthwatch at a local authority meeting, revealed that more than a quarter of young people surveyed had used vapes containing illegal drugs.
Around 28% of school-aged children questioned admitted to using vapes infused with THC or Spice, a synthetic drug linked to serious health risks. While some products are marketed as containing cannabis compounds, government research suggests many actually contain Spice.
The survey also found that vaping is becoming increasingly common among young people. More than half of the 107 children surveyed (52.3%) said they had used nicotine vapes, despite laws prohibiting sales to anyone under the age of 18.
Researchers found that peer influence plays a major role, with 42% saying most of their friends vape and 41% reporting that someone they knew had given them a vape.
Sarah Johns said boredom was frequently cited as a reason for experimenting with drug-laced vapes.
The finding that 28% of respondents had tried THC or Spice vapes was described as “very high” during a Blackburn with Darwen Council public health meeting.
Janine Day, who works for the youth substance misuse charity Early Break, said illegal vapes often spread rapidly through schools.
“In schools you get one or two young people who find these vapes and take them in, then sharing it around their peer group,” she said.
“Often when we have had a referral for a young person, they’ve generally gone to A&E feeling sick.”
She added that routine testing carried out by the charity has identified increasingly high concentrations of THC in vapes used by young people.
Julie Gunn expressed concern about the growing number of children using vapes despite never having smoked cigarettes.
“My real concern is the growing number of people who are using vapes who have never smoked, particularly children and young people,” she said.
She warned that illicit products often contain unknown ingredients that could be even more harmful than regulated vaping products.
The findings come shortly after raids by Lancashire Constabulary in Blackburn and Darwen uncovered suspected THC-filled vapes and cannabis-infused sweets allegedly marketed towards children.
Abdul Razaq said local authorities, schools and police are working together to tackle the issue through education and support programmes.
“We’re also keen to deter adults vaping around children and young people, as this can normalise vaping from a young age,” he said.
Officials said support includes one-to-one interventions, group sessions in schools and awareness campaigns designed to help young people stop vaping and understand the dangers of illicit substances.
