Illicit substances in school-confiscated vapes: Lessons from a laboratory-driven public health pilot

Illicit substances, particularly SCRAs also known as Spice, were detected in vapes confiscated from schools. SCRAs are frequently confused with natural cannabis. SCRAs are not natural cannabinoids but more potent and dangerous synthetic compounds. Improved awareness and understanding of their potential harms are critical for informing public health messaging and safeguarding young people. Multi-agency collaboration and laboratory surveillance of confiscated items are essential to enable targeted education.