Students hospitalised 'after taking synthetic marijuana drug Spice'
Lancaster University issues warning after five students receive medical treatment
![Five students were hospitalised after apparently taking the drug Spice](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/05/21/07/ambulance-1-getty.jpg)
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
![Head shot of Andrew Feinberg](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/andrew-feinberg.png)
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Five university students have been hospitalised after they apparently took a synthetic cannabis-like drug known as 'Spice'.
The students are all believed to be in their first year at Lancaster University, and from the same Grizedale College townhouse.
Police officers found the students at about 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Lancaster University issued a warning about the drug on its Twitter feed after learning that the five were receiving medical treatment.
The drug was reclassified as a class B drug in 2009. Prior to this it was a 'legal high' and being sold in 'head shops'.
The charity DrugScope described Spice as a collection of herbs or plant material sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids, producing a cannabis-like effect when smoked.
Side effects can include a raised pulse, dry mouth, lowering of inhibitions, dizziness, agitation and paranoia.
Although banned in the UK, Spice and similar drugs can still be bought on the internet, with China and the Far East the main areas for production.
(Additional reporting by PA)
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments