Ambulances at schoolyards as illegal THC vapes spark wave of student health emergencies
Dutch schools are reporting a rise in dangerous incidents linked to illegal THC vapes that often contain synthetic drugs known as spice, according to an investigation by Zembla. Ambulances have been called to schoolyards, students have collapsed in hallways, and some children have been hospitalized.
Schools in Amsterdam, The Hague, Brabant, Noord-Holland, and other regions told Zembla that students are increasingly experimenting with THC vapes, often unaware they are inhaling powerful synthetic cannabinoids.
The vapes, sold illegally through platforms like Snapchat, are delivered by dealers directly to schoolyards within half an hour.
Many students believe they are using a cannabis vape with similar effects to smoking marijuana, but lab tests conducted for Zembla revealed nearly all samples contained synthetic cannabinoids. These substances can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and psychosis, as they are far more potent than natural cannabis. Since July, they have been banned in the Netherlands under the Opium Act.
Last week, addiction center Jellinek and GGD Amsterdam sent a warning to youth workers, stating that the vapes can lead to “serious health complaints.”
Youssef el Markhous, a prevention expert at Jellinek, told Zembla that the problem is spreading beyond Amsterdam: “It is a worrying development. At first we saw signals sporadically, but gradually they became more frequent and from different regions, not only Amsterdam but also Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Het Gooi. We hear that young people sit there almost lifeless, literally unable to move forward, unable to process stimuli, and young people are fainting. And sometimes very severe withdrawal symptoms.”
Acting Secretary of State for Youth, Prevention, and Sport Judith Tielen called Zembla’s findings “disturbing.” She said, “The rise of these THC vapes worries us. We are talking about illegal junk that is really dangerous for your health. In addition to this direct risk, there is also the risk that this use becomes a stepping stone to other substances.”
Pulmonologist Danielle Cohen, who has long campaigned against vaping among students, warned, “It is a super dangerous drug, mainly used in prison and by homeless people. Should it now emerge that schoolchildren aged 12 to 13 are also using this drug, it is imperative to take immediate action. This behavior must be stopped very quickly.”
Three major Dutch addiction clinics—Jellinek, Novadic-Kentron, and Brijder—confirmed to Zembla that they are receiving increasing reports of students suffering from health problems after vaping THC. The Trimbos Institute told Zembla it has launched research into vapes with strong psychoactive effects, including THC vapes.
