Calls for stricter regulation as e-cigarettes linked to youth drug use in Hong Kong

18th March 2025 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong recorded 300 reported cases of drug abuse involving “space oil” last year, with 75% of those affected being youths under the age of 21. Tong Sau-chai, chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, has urged the government to extend legislative bans to include e-cigarette devices, warning that their availability could lure young people into acquiring space oil through illegal channels. He emphasised that the shorter the grace period for such legislation, the better.

Cases of space oil abuse are reportedly most prevalent in the North District, Yuen Long, and Tuen Mun. Ng Sing Chin, chairman of the Tuen Mun District Secondary School Heads Association, attributed this to the higher number of students in these areas. He called on teachers to remain vigilant and for peers to show concern for identifying users. Wu also noted that the authorities have launched awareness campaigns, such as the “Healthy Schools Programme,” which offers voluntary testing and counselling services, with participation rates exceeding 90% in Tai Po and over 85% in Tuen Mun.

Ton Sau-chai highlighted instances of students consuming space oil during school breaks in washrooms, often accompanied by unusual fruity or candy-like scents. He stressed the importance of banning e-cigarette devices as well as cartridges, arguing that without such measures, both minors and adults could still possess the devices and potentially misuse them by illegally obtaining and using space oil.

David K. S. Ng, executive director of the Community Drug Advisory Council, noted that space oil, typically consumed through e-cigarettes, is appealing to young people due to its colour and scent. However, he pointed out that increased public awareness and law enforcement efforts have led to some improvements. Outreach and other programmes are in place to address issues related to student drug use, including space oil.