Adferiad raises concerns over rise of synthetic substances

A recent report from Public Health Wales has raised growing safety concerns surrounding the rise of synthetic substances being found in streets within Wales. 

Research carried out by the New Drugs and Novel Substances Identification Service of Wales (WEDINOS) found more than a third of drugs tested in a survey contained a different substance than what people thought they had bought. 

The work has highlighted the dangers of illegal cannabis vapes containing synthetic chemicals much stronger than natural cannabis.  

Commenting on BBC Cymru Fyw, our Vice Chair of Trustees, Clive Wolfendale, has described the research as alarming. 

“A large increase in traditional drugs being mixed with synthetic substances – and the synthetic ones now emerging on their own as well“.  

He added that the “situation is out of control” with little knowledge of what is contained within them.  

“We don’t know what’s in them – we need more testing, education and stricter regulation to keep people safe. 

“Everything from raspberry juice to synthetic cannabinoids and opioids.” 

You can read the full piece here. 

The report warns of illegal cannabis vapes, with findings that nearly 40% of them contain synthetic cannabinoids, chemicals much stronger than natural cannabis.  

Consumption of such substances can cause fits, heart problems and cause psychosis. 

Adferiad has raised concern of the dangers of cannabis vapes, arguing they pose a significant and serious risk to public health in Wales, including young people facing mental health difficulties like psychosis.  

Local councils across Wales are reporting closure notices for vape shops selling illegal goods, including Swansea Council recently closing eight. 

This is reflected in what our staff report they are experiencing within our treatment services, with a rapidly increasing reliance on vaping within children and young people. 

As an organisation, we receive regular feedback from service users in the needle exchange, as well as results from samples tested on behalf of service users, which often come back with a confirmed presence of nitazenes and xylazine. Testing also often reveals bromazolam frequently mis-sold as Valium and Xanax. 

Adferiad promote harm reduction conversations with service users, around contaminants, potency, polysubstance use, and individual tolerance.  

Harm reduction advice is given, and naloxone is distributed in the needle exchange and on outreach.  

Harm reduction, drug testing, and community-based treatment must be strengthened and expanded so people can access support, make informed choices, and avoid preventable tragedies.  

 We call upon local authorities and other regulatory bodies to use their powers to ensure that such substances are not so easily and readily available. 

Clive Wolfendale also appeared on BBC Radio Cymru and can be heard here.