The Public Health Agency of Sweden warns about cyclorphine in vapes after a suspected case in Uppland. The substance, also called Cyclorphine, is estimated to be up to ten times stronger than fentanyl. At the same time, there is a growing black market for vejp products containing substances other than nicotine.
Vapes containing the synthetic opioid cyclorphin (Cyclorphine) can circulate in Sweden. The Public Health Agency of Sweden has now issued a warning after a person was found unconscious in Uppland. The police suspect that the person inhaled the substance via a vejp.
- Cyclorphine is significantly more potent than fentanyl. There is an obvious risk of sudden death due to respiratory depression, Swedish authorities write in several posts on social media.
Illegal vejp products are becoming more common
The sale of vapes, especially single-use models, with non-nicotine content has become increasingly common in recent years. As Vejpkollen previously reported, these are often synthetic cannabinoids or cannabis extracts, while new chemical variants are constantly appearing on the market.
Cannabis is legal in various forms in several parts of the world. Products containing THC can therefore be bought openly in some countries and then smuggled into Sweden.
E-liquids used for THC are also different from traditional nicotine liquids. Nicotine is by necessity always mixed in water-soluble base liquids such as propylene glycol and glycerol, while THC can be mixed with other types of solvents.
There is therefore a risk that the user of THC-vapes inhales various oils or fatty substances, known as lipids, especially if the e-liquid is produced in uncontrolled environments. In 2019, the United States was affected of a widespread outbreak of serious lung diseases linked to illegal THC products mixed with the lipid e-acetate. Almost 4,000 people fell ill with lipid (chemical) pneumonia and about fifty died. US authorities later linked the outbreak to products from the the black cannabis market. Also two cases were documented in Sweden.
Seizures are increasing
According to Swedish Customs, the number of seizures of non-nicotine vapes has tripled since 2024.
The police also see a growing black market for disposable vapes that contain more e-liquid than is allowed under Swedish law. In the EU, a disposable vape may contain a maximum of 2 ml of e-liquid, which normally corresponds to around 600-800 puffs.
According to the police, the sale of larger models often takes place in parallel with other illegal trade.
Authorities now warn about opioids
But it is not only THC that is present in illegal vejp products.
In the spring, US authorities issued warnings about vapes containing synthetic opioids. These include fentanyl and other highly potent substances commonly used in healthcare for anaesthesia, intensive care and advanced pain management.
Cyclorphine, as it is also known, is estimated to be up to ten times stronger than fentanyl.
According to the Police Authority, repeated doses of the antidote naloxone may be needed to reverse an overdose.
Risk of rapid overdose
Opioids affect the body's respiratory centre. In case of an overdose, breathing may become slow, shallow or stop completely.
Symptoms highlighted by authorities and healthcare professionals include
- severe tiredness or loss of consciousness
- very small pupils
- slow or irregular breathing
- bluish lips or nails
- cold and damp skin
- gurgling or choking-like breathing sounds
In the event of a suspected opioid overdose, contact 112 immediately.
Unclear how widespread the substance is
It is not yet clear whether the case in Uppland can be linked to a larger batch on the Swedish market. Nevertheless, several authorities have now chosen to issue warnings.
According to the Vejpkollen review, vejp products containing opioids are still very rare. Only a limited number of cases have been documented internationally, mainly in the USA.
At the same time, developments show that the illicit market for vejp products is becoming increasingly diversified. It is no longer just about nicotine or cannabis, but in some cases also about much more dangerous substances where the risk of overdose can be life-threatening even in very small quantities.
The facts: How to reduce the risk of ingesting something other than nicotine
For e-cigarette users, there is really only one safe way to reduce the risk of ingesting unknown substances: buying products from established and legal sales channels.
When products are sold via social media, private individuals or on the street, it is often impossible to know what they actually contain.
Be extra careful if:
- the product does not have a list of ingredients or manufacturer information
- the packaging appears tampered with or lacks security labelling
- the seller cannot declare the origin or manufacturer
- someone offers you to try a vejp without being able to tell you what it contains
The price can give an indication
A standard disposable nicotine vapouriser normally costs between SEK 50 and 100 in shops.
Products containing cannabis extracts, synthetic cannabinoids or opioids are often significantly more expensive because the content has a higher market value. But price is no guarantee. The black market includes both counterfeit products and products with unknown contents sold at virtually any price.
If someone becomes ill
If a person becomes unresponsive, has difficulty breathing or loses consciousness after using an unknown vejp - call 112 immediately.
If you suspect an opioid overdose, every minute can be crucial.
