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Briefing Document: The Rise of Vaping and Synthetic Cannabinoids Among Dutch Youth
Executive Summary
This document synthesizes findings on the escalating use of vapes among Dutch youth, highlighting the parallel emergence of a more dangerous and deceptive market for THC vapes often containing synthetic cannabinoids, known as Spice. Despite a ban on flavored vapes, a thriving illegal market persists, easily accessible to minors through social media platforms like Snapchat and complicit retailers. The nicotine content in these devices is exceptionally high, leading to rapid and severe addiction, with experts warning that two-thirds of young vapers transition to smoking cigarettes.
A more alarming trend is the proliferation of so-called "THC vapes." Investigation reveals that many of these products do not contain plant-based THC but are instead filled with highly dangerous and unpredictable synthetic cannabinoids (Spice). Dealers deliberately misrepresent these products as standard THC to unsuspecting young users. Research from the UK, where one in six school-seized vapes contained Spice, mirrors the emerging situation in the Netherlands. The health consequences of Spice are severe, including psychosis, paranoia, extreme withdrawal symptoms comparable to heroin, and in some cases, acute death.
Dutch schools, addiction clinics, and health authorities are reporting an increase in incidents where students become acutely unwell, experience collapses, or require hospitalization after using these vapes. Enforcement agencies like the NVWA and the police face significant challenges in tackling this illicit trade, which is characterized by its decentralized nature and the difficulty in testing the contents of every seized device. The findings indicate a critical public health crisis requiring urgent investigation, awareness campaigns, and a robust regulatory and enforcement response to protect a vulnerable generation.
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