Urgent action needed to curb rise in prison deaths linked to spice, say UK researchers

Researchers have called for urgent action to tackle the crisis in the Prison Service after data showed a rise in deaths among male prisoners linked to synthetic cannabinoids.

Karen Duke, a professor of criminology who led the study, said the reports by the prison and probation ombudsman highlight a series of failures and shortcomings that raise the risk of drug deaths in prison. Understaffing, cuts to services, and inadequate support for the most vulnerable all contributed to fatalities, the study found.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic the effects of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. Spice and black mamba are often extremely potent, making them a serious threat to users. Though banned by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, misuse has taken off in prisons. The chemicals are often sprayed on to paper which is smuggled in, rolled up and smoked., Duke and her colleagues describe how various factors played into the drug deaths.

“There is an urgent need for interventions and resources to address the risks, including expanded substance use and mental health treatment, harm reduction initiatives, wider sentencing reform, and improvements in the prison regime,” she said.

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