Vape Spiking Is The Worrying New Trend You Need To Be Aware Of This Festival Season
Watch out for strangers offering you their vape.
Summer is in full swing and festival season has kicked off. A time when everyone should be embracing good vibes and making the most of summer before going back to education.
But, if you’re fond of the occasional vape, take extra precaution when out and about, especially if you’re at a festival this summer.
The Daily Mail have reported that one festival goer, who attended Isle of Wight Festival, lost consciousness and collapsed within minutes of puffing on a stranger’s vape while queuing for food.
Chloe Hammerton, who was at the festival with partner Natasha Ward and brother William, were approached by a man who encouraged Chloe to try his vape. Natasha states that Chloe collapsed within a minute of taking a puff, and began to lose consciousness — leaving her unable to speak or move her body. Chloe also experienced a fit.
While not much has been said around vape spiking, it’s not the first time it’s been reported. Similar stories of being spiked using a stranger’s vape have arisen in recent years as the alternative to cigarettes became more popular.
According to Stamp Out Spiking, drink spiking remains the highest form of spiking at 79%, but with the increased use of vapes, it would be no surprise if we see more and more cases of vapes being used to spike victims.
What could be used in a spiked vape?
Not much is known about the substances used for spiking vapes, but one incident of spiking, which resulted in the death of Kim Harrop earlier this year, was said to have been caused by painkillers.
Oxycodone was found in Kim’s vape fluid, believed to have been done by the man she was dating at the time. Other reports state that vapes are being spiked with illegal drugs, such as synthetic marijuana and vaporised LSD.
How do you know if a disposable vape is safe?
Firstly, if anyone you don’t know or trust offers you a vape (or anything tbh), do not take it. You don’t know what they’re really offering you.
But when it comes to your own vapes, how do you know if it’s legit or not? Like a lot of things, fake versions have hit the market and are far too easy to get a hold of.
Here are some signs to help you spot fake vapes:
- Look out for a serial number — each vape should have a serial number that you can verify. You can search the number on MHRA to make sure if it’s legit or not.
- The price is too good to be true — while shops will have deals on vapes and e-cigs, if it sounds too good to be true, then it might not be real. Most vape kits in the UK are around £5, so anything cheaper could be something worth questioning.
- Nicotine strength/capacity – vape products in the UK must have a capacity of no more than 2ml. E-Liquids must be limited to a strength of no more than 20mg/ml. Anything more than this means it’s not legal in the UK.
- Packaging — vape packaging should have nicotine warnings clearly printed, including a best before date, too. If the vape doesn’t include this information, then it may be a fake.
Do not use a vape if you don’t believe it’s safe or legitimate.
What to do if you or someone else has been spiked
Whether spiked via alcohol or vape, seek medical assistance immediately if you notice any changes to your behaviour. If you suspect a drink or vape has been spiked, do not use it and report to the police or bar/club staff.
Symptoms of being spiked may include:
- Confusion
- Nausea/vomiting
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Poor coordination
- Unconsciousness
- Loss of ability to communicate properly
These symptoms may be similar to if you’ve had a few too many drinks, but if you feel more drunk or strange than you should be, seek medical help as soon as possible.
If you or someone else has been spiked, alert staff members at the venue or police. If someone else is spiked, make sure you or someone stays with them and keep talking to them, and don’t let them go home or elsewhere. Call an ambulance if symptoms are severe or someone is unconscious.
Don’t accept drinks or vapes off strangers, and don’t leave them unattended. You never know who’s lurking around waiting. If you’re with friends, keep an eye out for each other and report any suspicious behaviour if you see something dodgy.
