The government is planning new laws to prevent underage vaping amid rising concerns about illegal vapes containing excessive nicotine, harmful metals, and potent substances like THC and spice.
Several incidents in Oldham involving vapes with dangerous contents, including a case of a vape with a 90% concentration of THC, have highlighted the issue's severity. The Manchester Drug Analysis and Knowledge Exchange (Mandrake) team has observed a worrying trend in high-strength THC in vapes.
Greater Manchester Police and Oldham Council are actively addressing this issue, with a focus on preventing children from accessing illegal vapes in schools. The Department of Health and Social Care is consulting on measures to curb underage vaping.
However, Potts emphasizes the need for a comprehensive national strategy to effectively tackle the problem and restrict the availability of vapes to young people.