Spice-Related Harm in the UK
Although precise figures for hospital visits linked to synthetic cannabinoids (SCRAs) aren’t available, drug use across the UK remains common. According to the Crime Survey for England & Wales, 8.8% of adults aged 16–59 reported using an illicit drug in the year to March 2024. Meanwhile, 310,863 adults received treatment for drug or alcohol issues in 2023–24, a 7% increase from the previous year.
SCRAs are a small but significant part of these figures. Their extreme potency and unpredictable effects often lead to emergency healthcare contact, particularly in vulnerable groups.
One study, published in Addictive Behaviors, found that nearly 48% of male prisoner deaths in England and Wales between 2015 and 2020 involved SCRAs. Over that period, 62 deaths were directly linked to Spice-type substances, which are considered the deadliest illicit drugs found in UK prisons.
There is also growing concern about SCRA exposure among young people. A 2024 University of Bath study found that one in six vapes seized from schoolchildren contained synthetic cannabinoids. Students were often unaware of what they were inhaling, and some experienced serious health effects, including seizures, psychosis, and breathing problems.
What this booklet covers
An introduction to spice
- What spice is and how it’s made
- The wide variety of SCRAs
- Strength and toxicity
Its effects and health issues
- How spice makes you feel – euphoric, relaxed, and drowsy
- Harmful effects – anxiety, paranoia, seizures, psychosis, and overdose
- The link between synthetic cannabinoids and mental health
Unpredictable nature and risks
- Recognising the unpredictable nature and risks of spice
- Warning signs of overdose and addiction
- Withdrawal and tolerance symptoms
- Harm-reduction strategies – dosage, not using alone, mental health, and professional support
Emergency situations
- How to respond to distressing behaviour
- When to seek immediate medical attention
This resource is a valuable guide for people who use spice, are considering using it, or are concerned about someone affected by it. It provides clear, practical information on the associated risks and how to reduce them.
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