RESEARCH ALERT
Some vapes use added chemicals to create a cold or icy feeling. New research has raised concerns about three of them: WS-23, WS-3 and WS-5. We do not yet know how common they are in Wales.
Information / Cannabis, tobacco & vapes
Cannabis, tobacco & ‘THC’ vapes: know what you’re dealing with
Cannabis can be smoked, eaten or vaped. For ASH Wales, two parts matter especially: the harm from inhaling smoke and the extra nicotine dependence that can come from mixing cannabis with tobacco.
Last reviewed: 23rd September 2026
QUICK ANSWER
A vape sold as “THC” may not contain what you think it does.
Illicit vape liquids do not go through the quality controls used for legal nicotine vapes. Products sold as THC have been found to contain synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice or other substances instead.
First: THC and CBD are not the same thing
THC is the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” and can affect judgement, memory, coordination, mood and perception.
CBD does not produce the same intoxicating effect. Products sold as CBD can still vary in quality and content, and CBD can interact with some medicines.
The effects and risks of cannabis depend on factors including THC strength, how much is used, how often, the person’s age and their mental health.
Cannabis can affect mental health
Some people experience anxiety, panic, paranoia or confusion. Frequent or high-THC use is associated with greater mental-health risk, particularly for people already vulnerable to psychosis.
If cannabis is affecting mood, sleep, relationships, work or day-to-day life, it is worth asking for support.
If cannabis is smoked with tobacco
In the UK, cannabis is often mixed with tobacco in joints or spliffs.
That means the person is inhaling tobacco smoke as well as cannabis and can become dependent on nicotine. It can also make it harder to work out whether the urge to smoke cannabis is partly a nicotine craving.
If you want to stop the tobacco but are not ready to change your cannabis use, Help Me Quit can still support the tobacco side of the routine.
Cannabis smoke still means smoke
Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs and cause coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Burning plant material creates smoke and harmful substances whether tobacco is mixed in or not.
THC vapes, Spice and unknown liquids
This is where labels and appearance can be especially misleading.
“THC vape” is not a guarantee of contents
Illicit vapes may be sold as THC but contain synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids instead, or other substances. They are not subject to the same quality controls as legal nicotine vapes.
Spice is not another name for THC
“Spice” is a common name for synthetic cannabinoids. These chemicals act on cannabinoid receptors but can be more potent and unpredictable than natural cannabis.
You cannot identify the liquid by looking at it
A vape device or liquid can look ordinary. Without laboratory testing, appearance, colour, smell or packaging cannot confirm whether it contains THC, synthetic cannabinoids or something else.
Found an unknown vape or product?
Do not test it yourself and do not ask a child or young person to demonstrate what it does.
If someone is seriously unwell after taking a drug or using an unknown vape, call 999 and tell the ambulance crew everything you know.
If there is no medical emergency, Parent Support can help you work out the next conversation and where to report a concern.
Concerned about someone selling these products?
No Ifs. No Butts. accepts anonymous concerns about cannabis/THC and synthetic cannabinoid products, including suspected vape sales, online or social-media sellers and sales to children or young people.
You do not need proof, you do not need to identify the substance and you should not investigate or confront a seller.
Want support with cannabis use?
If cannabis use is affecting health, mood, relationships, work, education or money, FRANK can help you find information and support. A GP or local drug and alcohol service can also help.
If tobacco is part of the routine, Help Me Quit can support stopping the tobacco too.