“THC vapes might seem like a safer or more convenient alternative to smoking cannabis,” said James Barrie, Service Manager at Forward Leeds, “but the reality is that they often contain unknown and dangerous substances. We’ve seen an increase in people experiencing unexpected and serious effects, especially among young people who think they know what they’re taking — but don’t.”
The city’s alcohol and drug service has launched a powerful new awareness campaign to highlight the risks associated with products sold as THC vapes.
At the heart of the campaign is a short, engaging film aimed at young people and those experimenting with vaping THC. THC is one of the psychoactive ingredients found in cannabis and is the one usually associated with getting ‘high’.
The service has created a short film and social media content to highlight that most vapes sold as containing THC do not contain any THC at all. Instead, they can be laced with dangerous synthetic cannabinoids like spice or even synthetic opioids such as nitazenes, both of which can be highly potent and unpredictable, even leading to overdose or serious health complications.
The film also touches on lesser-known risks, such as the potential for lung damage caused by poor-quality vape liquids and the fact that vaping’s discreet nature can lead to higher levels of use without realising it. Additionally, the long-term health impacts of vaping THC remain uncertain due to the relatively new and unregulated nature of the products.
James added:
“The campaign’s goal is not to scare, but to inform. Forward Leeds understands that some people will still choose to try illicit vapes that purport to contain THC — this initiative is about making sure those who do are equipped with the right knowledge to stay as safe as possible.”
As well as an online campaign Forward Leeds will be speaking to members of the public at Kirkgate Market on Saturday 19 April.
Forward Leeds has advised anyone concerned about what may be in their vape to send them for testing to the Wedinos Project www.wedinos.org
Watch the film here and learn more about vapes at: forwardleeds.co.uk/thcvapes
This post is based on a press release issued by Forward Leeds
Photo: James Barrie with information about illicit THC Vapes
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