During the spice wave at the beginning of the 2010s, which led to several deaths and poisoning cases in Sweden, the so-called synthetic cannabinoids were sprayed on herbs.
Nowadays, the new substances, which chemically resemble spice, are sprayed on cannabis. For the user, it is impossible to know how strong or dangerous it is.
It is very alarming that it appears in what looks like ordinary cannabis or hemp, says Jenny Åberg, expert at the Customs Agency's lab.
A new popular variant is called ADB-4en-PINACA and emerged in seizures last summer, when it was also classified as a narcotic. It quickly outcompeted its predecessor. Up until March 18 this year, 24.6 kilograms and over 100 cigarettes containing synthetic cannabinoids have been seized, significantly more than what was seized during the entire 2024. And in 2023, only three grams and three cigarettes were seized.
In terms of seizures, it is definitely an enormous increase, says Åberg.
Among the seizures made, several have been sent from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but it is unclear whether the drugs are also manufactured there.
Corrected: In an earlier version, Jenny Åberg was given the wrong surname.
