Cannabinoids are causing concern. Credit: Shutterstock, Vitalii Vodolazskyi
Poisonings linked to synthetic and semisynthetic cannabinoids (man-made products designed to mimic cannabis) are increasing in Denmark and Sweden. There is growing concern and even warnings from health authorities.
The substances, often found in puff bars (vapes), e-cigarettes, and edibles (foods laced with cannabinoids), have led to multiple hospitalisations, particularly among young people, sadly.
The Danish Health Authority has issued several public warnings about the dangers of these products. “Every young person who takes drugs is one too many. You shouldn’t be fooled by the fact that the products come in pretty packaging,” said Maja Bæksgaard Jørgensen, head of section at the Danish Health Authority, as reported by Euractiv.
Rising cases of cannabinoid poisonings and hospital admissions
In early 2025, at least six cases of poisoning were reported at Danish hospitals, according to Dorte Fris Palmqvist, an anaesthetist at Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen. Among those affected were five individuals aged 16 to 18 who were hospitalised in Tønder after using puff bars in January.
Sweden has also seen a sharp rise in cases. Data from Sweden’s Poisons Information Centre shows that reports of nicotine product poisonings containing semisynthetic cannabinoids surged from just one case in 2022 to 88 in 2024. In early 2025 alone, seven cases were reported, including two severe hospital admissions, as reported by Euractiv.
What are semisynthetic cannabinoids?
Semisynthetic cannabinoids mimic THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, but with altered molecular structures. This makes them difficult to regulate, as many are not classified as illegal drugs upon their introduction to the market.
The first recorded instance of a semisynthetic cannabinoid in Europe was in May 2022. In Denmark, doctors first encountered a poisoning case involving these substances in late 2023, with numbers steadily rising since then.
Unlike natural cannabis, semisynthetic cannabinoids often result in stronger and more prolonged symptoms. Aza Kader, a pharmacist at Sweden’s Poisons Information Centre, explained to Euractiv that symptoms typically include anxiety, lethargy, and extreme drowsiness. While symptoms from smoking usually subside within 4-6 hours, cases involving ingestion can last up to four days.
Additionally, there is no antidote for these poisonings, meaning hospital treatment focuses solely on managing symptoms, which can be severe.
Cannabinoid poisonings: A Europe-wide issue
Denmark and Sweden are not alone in dealing with this crisis. Similar cases have been reported in France, Ireland, and the UK. To address the growing problem, the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) is strengthening its monitoring systems.
According to Euractiv, the agency is set to enhance its existing Early Warning System (EWS) with the European Drug Alert System (EDAS) and the European Threat Assessment System (ETAS), expected to be fully operational by 2025. These initiatives aim to improve health and security risk communications across the continent.
The Danish Health Authority issues warning
The Danish Health Authority continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with forensic institutes, customs authorities, and law enforcement. Recent examinations of puff bars by forensic chemistry departments in Odense, Copenhagen, and Aarhus confirm the presence of harmful synthetic and semisynthetic cannabinoids.
Parents are urged to stay informed and educate their children about the risks associated with vaping and e-cigarettes. “These are illegal products that are harmful in themselves because of nicotine, and now we are also seeing people behind them putting drugs in them,” Jørgensen emphasised.
Calls for stronger regulation and efforts to protect young people from exposure to these potentially very dangerous products are loud and clear.
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