International Data Shows Spice Use Peaks in Late Teens, Is Mostly Experimental, and Driven by Curiosity | Research

The takeaway

A review of international survey data found synthetic cannabinoid use prevalence of 0.2-4% in the general population, peaking in late teens/early twenties, with most users trying it only a few times out of curiosity.

Read this if you want an evidence-based perspective on how common synthetic cannabinoid (Spice) use actually is.

0.2-4% lifetime prevalence; most users try Spice only a few times

What the researchers found

This review compiled data from nationally and regionally representative surveys worldwide to characterize synthetic cannabinoid (Spice) use patterns.

Lifetime prevalence in the general population ranged from 0.2% to 4%. Use peaked in the late teens and early twenties and declined with age. Users were predominantly male. Limited longitudinal data suggested use was declining from its peak.

Most Spice users reported trying the substance only a small number of times, and sustained regular use was uncommon. The most frequently cited motivation was curiosity. Spice users almost universally reported extensive histories of using other substances, suggesting they are a subset of broader polysubstance users rather than a distinct population.

Interestingly, people consistently overestimated how common Spice use was among their peers, with perceived use rates significantly exceeding actual use.

Why it matters

This review provides much-needed context to the synthetic cannabinoid concern. While individual cases can be severe, population-level data shows use is generally uncommon, experimental, and transient. The finding that people overestimate peer use suggests media coverage may be amplifying perceived prevalence beyond reality.

The numbers in context

Lifetime prevalence: 0.2-4% in general population. Peak use: late teens/early twenties. Most users: male, tried only a few times. Primary motivation: curiosity. Users overestimate peer use. Most Spice users have extensive other substance use histories.

How the study worked

Literature review of national and international organizations and peer-reviewed publications reporting synthetic cannabinoid use in non-clinical populations. Focused on nationally and regionally representative surveys to establish population-level prevalence.

What this study cannot tell us

Survey data may undercount Spice use. Rapid evolution of synthetic cannabinoid products makes it difficult to track specific compounds. Some surveys grouped synthetic cannabinoids with other substances. Longitudinal data was limited.

How to read the evidence

Review of nationally representative surveys providing robust population-level data, though limited by varying methodologies across surveys.

When this study was published

Published in 2016. The synthetic cannabinoid market has continued to evolve with new compounds and shifting use patterns.

The bigger picture

While synthetic cannabinoids pose real risks (as documented in clinical case reports and toxicology studies), this population-level view suggests the "Spice epidemic" framing may overstate the scope of the problem. Public health responses should be proportionate to actual prevalence rather than perceived prevalence.

Questions still open

Has Spice use continued to decline since this review? Why do people overestimate peer use of synthetic cannabinoids? Would correcting misperceptions of peer use reduce experimentation?

Common questions

How common is Spice use?

Representative surveys show lifetime Spice use ranges from 0.2-4% of the general population, with most users trying it only a few times. It peaks in late teens and declines with age.

Why do people try synthetic cannabinoids?

Curiosity is the most commonly reported motivation. Most users have extensive histories with other substances, suggesting Spice use occurs within broader polysubstance use patterns.

Read the original research

International trends in spice use: Prevalence, motivation for use, relationship to other substances, and perception of use and safety for synthetic cannabinoids.

Brain research bulletin, 126(Pt 1), 8-28

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Loeffler, George; Delaney, Eileen; Hann, Michael. (2016). International trends in spice use: Prevalence, motivation for use, relationship to other substances, and perception of use and safety for synthetic cannabinoids.. Brain research bulletin, 126(Pt 1), 8-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.013