Cannabis, THC and synthetic cannabinoid vapes
Some products are sold as cannabis, THC, HHC, spice or weed vapes. These products can be illegal, untested and unsafe, especially when sold to young people or through shops, websites and social media.
This is a growing crossover concern
Reports about cannabis or THC products often appear alongside illegal tobacco and vapes. That suggests the same shops, sellers or local networks may be involved in more than one type of illegal product.
13%
UK reports mention cannabis
30%
of cannabis reports are relating to THC vapes
1 in 4
vapes confiscated in schools contained Spice, not THC.
1 in 2
of young people aged 13 to 21 reported using THC vapes in the past year.
Quick answer
You can report concerns about cannabis, THC, HHC, spice or synthetic cannabinoid vapes being sold through shops, online sellers or local contacts.
Useful details can include:
- Products described as THC, cannabis, weed, HHC or spice
- Vapes sold through websites or social media
- Products sold from shops or local premises
- Products being sold to children or young people
- Sellers offering cannabis vapes alongside tobacco or nicotine vapes
- Products with unclear or suspicious packaging
What does the law say?
Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug in the UK. THC is a controlled cannabinoid. It is unlawful to possess, supply, offer to supply, produce, import or export cannabis, except under a Home Office licence. Some prescribed cannabis based medicines exist, but that is different from products being sold through shops, social media or local contacts.
What is worth reporting?
A shop selling cannabis vapes
A shop, vape shop or mixed retailer offering products described as THC, cannabis, weed, HHC or spice.
Online cannabis vape sales
Websites, marketplace listings, social media posts, WhatsApp groups or local delivery offers.
Products sold to young people
Any concern that children or young people are being supplied cannabis or THC vapes.
Crossover sales
A seller offering cannabis vapes alongside illegal tobacco, disposable vapes or under age sales.
Still not sure what to report?
What if I only heard a rumour?
A rumour on its own may not prove anything, but repeated local concern, a seller name, shop, online account or product description can still help.
Do I need to test the product?
No. Do not test, buy or handle products to prove what they are. Report what you have seen or heard.
Learn more about illegal tobacco and vapes
Find out how illegal products are sold, what signs to look for and how enforcement partners are tackling the issue.
Where is it sold?
Illegal products can be sold through shops, homes, cars, pubs, markets, online sellers and local delivery.
What are illegal vapes?
Learn how to spot illegal vapes, banned disposables and products that may be sold outside the rules.