New data reveals a stall in overall UK vaping growth, but a worrying trend is emerging within the British Bangladeshi community, marked by misinformation and a rapid increase in the use of synthetic cannabis vapes among young people, particularly young women.
While the UK witnesses a potential turning point in its vaping trajectory with an apparent plateau in overall usage, a concerning trend is rapidly unfolding within the British Bangladeshi community. Recent analysis indicates that despite a nationwide stabilization in vaping rates across all age groups in the year leading up to January 2025, this masks a worrying surge in both nicotine and, more alarmingly, synthetic cannabis vape use among young individuals within the British Bangladeshi community. This rise is reportedly exacerbated by misinformation and a lack of awareness regarding the significant health risks involved.
Data from the University College London's Smoking Toolkit Study highlights a significant shift in the national vaping landscape. After a period of rapid expansion, with nearly a 25% annual increase between January 2022 and January 2024, vaping prevalence remained constant in the year leading up to January 2025. This stabilization coincides with the government's impending ban on disposable vapes, scheduled for June 1st, suggesting that the anticipation of stricter regulations is already influencing user behavior. Furthermore, the study indicates a decline in the popularity of disposable vapes among younger demographics, with use nearly halving among 16 to 24-year-olds, pointing towards a shift towards reusable alternatives.
However, this broader national trend obscures a more localized and deeply concerning situation within the British Bangladeshi community. Anecdotal evidence and emerging reports suggest a rapid increase in vaping, particularly among young women. This rise is reportedly fueled by a dangerous misconception that vaping is a "halal" alternative to alcohol. This misinformation, often spread within close-knit social networks, completely disregards the inherent health risks associated with nicotine and the various harmful chemicals present in vape liquids.
Adding to this alarming picture is the reported surge in the use of synthetic cannabis vapes among young individuals within the British Bangladeshi community, as well as the broader British Pakistani community. These unregulated and often significantly potent substances pose severe and immediate risks to both mental and physical health. Reports indicate that users, including young girls, are becoming rapidly addicted to these synthetic cannabinoids, experiencing a range of debilitating adverse effects such as severe anxiety, psychotic episodes, cardiovascular issues, and significant cognitive impairment.
The discreet nature and easy accessibility of vapes make them a convenient way to conceal and use these substances, often without the knowledge or awareness of parents, educators, or community leaders. This situation demands urgent and targeted attention within these communities to effectively raise awareness about the grave dangers of all forms of vaping, but particularly the catastrophic risks associated with unregulated synthetic cannabinoids.
While the government's impending ban on disposable vapes aims to curb overall youth vaping and address environmental concerns, its direct impact on these specific community-driven issues may be limited. Experts emphasize the need for a more nuanced and targeted approach, advocating for culturally sensitive public health campaigns within British South Asian and Muslim communities to directly address the misinformation surrounding vaping and its false perception as a "halal" alternative. Simultaneously, there is a critical need for increased awareness and comprehensive education regarding the severe risks associated with synthetic cannabis vapes. This effort must actively involve community leaders, schools, and families to effectively communicate the dangers and provide support to those who may be affected.
The government has acknowledged the "promising evidence" of a stalled rise in youth vaping and reiterated the health advice that vapes are not intended for children or non-smokers. The ongoing Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smoke-free generation, and the ban on disposable vapes is a key component of this strategy, also intended to address environmental concerns. However, the emerging challenges within specific communities, particularly the rapid increase in synthetic cannabis vape use fueled by misinformation within the British Bangladeshi community, necessitate a more focused and culturally appropriate intervention that goes beyond broad national regulations. Failure to address this specific issue with targeted education and support could have devastating consequences for the health and well-being of young people within these communities.
Harmful Inhalants: Forbidden in Islam
The Quran and Hadith strongly condemn the consumption of substances that intoxicate the mind or harm the body. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful." (Quran 5:90). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: "Every intoxicant is unlawful." (Sahih Muslim).
Based on these clear principles, the use of vapes containing synthetic cannabis or other harmful substances is considered Haram (forbidden) in Islam. Synthetic cannabis, also known as "Spice," is known for its psychoactive and harmful effects on the mind and body, thus falling under the category of intoxicants and harmful substances that Muslims are obligated to avoid. Similarly, if vaping, even without synthetic cannabis, is proven to be significantly harmful to health, it would also be considered impermissible based on the Islamic principle of not causing harm to oneself.
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