CSN News: Growing concern over cannabinoid-related poisonings

In Denmark and Sweden, poisonings attributed to synthetic and semi-synthetic Cannabinoids (manmade products that mimic cannabis) have increased. The health authorities have issued warnings and expressed growing concern.

Sadly, the substances found in vapes, edibles and e-cigarettes have caused multiple hospitalisations. This is especially true for young people.

Danish Health Authority has warned the public about these dangers. “Every youngster 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.

Hospital admissions and cannabinoid-related poisonings are increasing.

Dorte Fris palmqvist is an anaesthetist in Copenhagen’s Bispebjerg Hospital. She says that six cases of poisoning have been reported by Danish hospitals as early as 2025. Among those affected were five individuals aged 16 to 18 who were hospitalised in Tønder after using puff bars in January.

Sweden has seen an increase in cases as well. Sweden’s Poisons Information Centre reports that the number of cases of semi-synthetic cannabinoids in nicotine products has risen from one in 2022, to 88 by 2024. Seven cases, including two hospitalizations for severe conditions, were reported in early 2025. Euractiv.

What are semisynthetic cannabis cannabinoids (SSCs)?

Semi-synthetic cannabinoids have molecular structure changes that mimic THC. Many are not classified illegally when they enter the market, making them hard to regulate.

In May 2022, the first semi-synthetic cannabinoid was detected in Europe. The first poisoning case in Denmark was late 2023. Since then, the number of cases has steadily increased.

Semi-synthetic cannabis can cause more severe and prolonged symptoms than natural cannabis. Aza Kader is a pharmacist from Sweden’s Poisons Information Centre. Euractiv The symptoms include extreme fatigue, anxiety and lethargy. Ingestion of nicotine can cause symptoms to last for up to 4 days.

The hospital will only treat the symptoms of these poisonings. These can be serious.

Cannabinoid poisonings – a European issue

Denmark and Sweden aren’t the only countries dealing with this crisis. France, Ireland and the UK have also reported similar cases. EU Drugs Agency (EUDA), in order to combat the growing problem, is strengthening their monitoring systems.

According to EuractivThe European Drug Alert System is expected to become fully operational in 2025. These initiatives are aimed at improving health and security risks communication across the continent.

Danish Health Authority issues warnings

Danish Health Authority is continuing to monitor the situation with collaboration from forensic institutes and customs authorities. Recent forensic chemistry examinations in Odense and Copenhagen confirm the presence harmful synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabis.

Parents are encouraged to educate themselves and their children on the dangers of vaping and electronic 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.

The calls for stricter regulation and to protect children from these potentially dangerous products are very loud.

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