Signal: Safety · Evidence: Confirmed substitution risk · Scope: UK / Wales relevance · Family: Cannabinoids / vapes
Date checked: 30 September 2026
What is being seen?
Products may be described using semi-synthetic cannabinoid names such as HHC, HHC-P, THC-P and THC-O. The important safety point is that the label or seller’s description may not match what is actually in an illicit vape.
What testing has found
WEDINOS’ 2024/25 report highlighted a UK study of seven sealed illicitly sourced vapes that had been sold as cannabis products. Supplier information claimed they contained HHC, HHC-P, THC-P and THC-O. Laboratory analysis instead found the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PICA in all seven samples.
More recent Public Health Wales data reinforce the wider substitution problem: in 2025/26, 43% of THC, CBD or cannabinoid vape products submitted to WEDINOS contained synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs, sometimes called Spice).
What this does not tell us
The seven-product study was a small set of illicit samples from one service user, and WEDINOS submissions are not a representative survey. Neither figure should be used as an estimate of how common these products are among young people in Wales.
For schools and youth settings
Do not rely on a cannabinoid name printed on a vape to identify its contents. If someone is unwell after using an unknown vape, seek medical help and follow your safeguarding or incident process. Do not dismantle or test an unfamiliar device.
By ASH Wales