THC vapes have become popular among the younger generation, following advancements in vaping technology and shifting social attitudes toward cannabis. This trend has grown since the legalisation of medical cannabis in 2018. With the UK medical cannabis market being the second largest in Europe, it is expected to be worth £300m in 2025. UK-based medicinal cannabis testing and regulatory consultant Broughton highlights the critical importance of maintaining strict quality and safety standards.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces hallucinogenic effects. In THC vapes, this compound is extracted from cannabis plants and converted into a liquid form, known as vape juice, which can be inhaled using regular vaping devices.
In the UK, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabis derivative, is legal to consume and vape, whereas THC, the compound that causes the psychoactive effects, remains illegal.
Why are they so popular?
Statistics on THC vape use, including among adults, are limited due to its illicit status and the rapid rise in usage.
But many people consider cannabis a “safe” drug, largely due to its growing acceptance in the medicinal field. Growing research on cannabis’ medicinal benefits, like reducing anxiety, can make it seem attractive. For example, a survey of young people in Manchester found that 48% have used THC vapes, which highlights their broad appeal to younger users.
Given that vaping is widely popular, with 5.6 million people in the UK using vapes in general, THC vapes may appear no different or more harmful to many.
Predicted growth of THC vapes in 2025
As clinical trials on THC increase in 2025, the results could broaden the range of conditions it can treat. This may boost the appeal of THC vapes and contribute to the projected $300 million market for medicinal cannabis in 2025.
But with the ban on disposable vapes taking effect on 1st June 2025, disposable THC vapes may become less accessible, but with 3 to 9 million people currently buying cannabis from the illicit market, this may have little effect.
The risks associated with THC vapes
THC vapes, like other vaping products, carry health risks due to the inhalation of various chemicals. These chemicals can cause respiratory irritation and may lead to long-term effects, such as lung damage, from chemicals like diacetyl.
Additionally, drugs such as “spice” and xylazine have been found in THC vapes. These are not derived from cannabis plants but affect the same brain receptors, often leading to much stronger effects.
This makes them significantly more potent, raising the risk of individuals unknowingly taking a stronger drug, which could lead to overdose, seizures, or, in extreme cases, death.
Additionally, THC and any unknown substances present may interact negatively with certain medications, leading to potentially harmful side effects.
Although medicinal cannabis is legal in the UK with a doctor’s prescription, it is still highly restricted, prescribed only when other treatments have failed and for a limited range of conditions.
Broughton specialises in medicinal cannabis testing, including checks for THC and CBD levels, pesticide-free status, and heavy metals. After harvesting, samples are tested for contaminants, foreign matter, and microbial content, with further verification of THC and CBD levels. Following this, stability testing ensures product quality over time, preventing issues like mould growth.
This multi-step process follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure each batch meets strict safety and quality standards. Unregulated THC vape products may bypass essential safety standards, raising the risk of contamination and inaccurate levels of THC or CBD.
