Synthetic Cannabinoids Found in Vapes at Three-Quarters of Tested English Schools | Research

The takeaway

E-cigarettes containing synthetic cannabinoids were identified in 78% of 27 secondary schools sampled across England, with prevalence correlating to socioeconomic deprivation.

Parents and educators; public health officials; anyone concerned about youth vaping safety

78% of tested schools had vapes containing synthetic cannabinoids

What the researchers found

Synthetic cannabinoids were detected in 17.4% of all e-cigarette samples seized from schools. Positive samples contained a median concentration of 0.42 mg/mL, with a maximum of 3.6 mg/mL. Only 1.2% contained THC.

Why it matters

Synthetic cannabinoids are far more potent and dangerous than natural cannabis, and children may not know what they are vaping.

The numbers in context

77.8% of schools had at least one SC-positive sample. 17.4% of all seized samples contained SCs. Median concentration: 0.42 mg/mL. Maximum: 3.6 mg/mL. SC prevalence correlated with free school meal eligibility (r = 0.65, P = 0.003).

How the study worked

E-cigarettes seized by teachers at 27 secondary schools across England were analyzed using GC-MS, LC-MS, and quantitative NMR spectroscopy.

What this study cannot tell us

Samples were seized by teachers, introducing selection bias. Not all schools in England were represented.

How to read the evidence

Multi-site analytical chemistry study with rigorous methods across 27 schools; moderate because sampling relied on teacher confiscation.

When this study was published

2025 study with recently collected samples

The bigger picture

Synthetic cannabinoids were previously thought to be largely confined to prisons and homeless populations in the UK. This study demonstrates they have reached secondary school students.

Questions still open

Are students aware their vapes contain synthetic cannabinoids? What is the health impact of chronic low-dose SC exposure through vaping?

Common questions

Why are synthetic cannabinoids in vapes more dangerous than THC?

Synthetic cannabinoids are full agonists at CB1 receptors, meaning they activate these receptors much more powerfully than THC. They can cause seizures, psychosis, and death.

Why were synthetic cannabinoids more common in deprived areas?

The study found a correlation (r = 0.65) between SC prevalence and free school meal eligibility. The researchers did not establish causation.

Read the original research

Synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes seized from English schools.

Addiction (Abingdon, England), 120(10), 1995-2004

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Cozier, Gyles E; Gardner, Matthew; Craft, Sam; Skumlien, Martine; Spicer, Jack; Andrews, Rachael; Power, Alexander; Haines, Tom; Bowman, Richard; Manley, Amy E; Sunderland, Peter; Sutcliffe, Oliver B; Husbands, Stephen M; Hines, Lindsey; Taylor, Gillian; Freeman, Tom P; Scott, Jennifer; Pudney, Christopher R. (2025). Synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes seized from English schools.. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 120(10), 1995-2004. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70110