Ireland issues warnings over vape spiking and dangerous cannabinoids

Health and sexual violence advocates in Ireland have issued warnings regarding the presence of dangerous substances in vapes. The Sexual Violence Centre Cork reported that vapes are being used as a method for spiking individuals during nights out, describing the practice as ‘poisoning somebody’ to facilitate sexual assault. While Gardaí recorded 58 spiking incidents last year, advocates suggest the true scale is higher, noting that many incidents go unreported.

Simultaneously, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has identified potent and potentially dangerous cannabinoids in vapes, liquids, and edibles sold through both shops and illicit channels. Laboratory testing by the National Drug Treatment Centre in Dublin analyzed 76 samples, finding hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), potent synthetic cannabinoids, and acetate linked to lung disease.

These findings have led to calls for stronger government enforcement and standalone legislation to address spiking and the sale of unregulated psychoactive substances.