This week brought sobering reminders of the evolving drug landscape facing UK employers, with nitazenes continuing their deadly march across the country and new research highlighting gaps in our understanding of workplace substance use.
Nitazenes: The Silent Killer Contaminating Drug Supplies
Public Health Scotland issued a stark RADAR alert this week as nitazenes spread across all parts of Scotland, with 38 deaths recorded between January and March 2025 alone. These synthetic opioids, often hundreds of times more potent than morphine, are now being detected as contaminants in drugs sold as heroin, benzodiazepines, and even oxycodone.
For employers, this contamination crisis presents a significant challenge. Workers who believe they’re using familiar substances may unknowingly consume something far more dangerous. Standard workplace drug testing protocols may not detect these novel compounds, creating blind spots in safety programmes. The Harm Reduction Journal published open-access research this week evaluating nitazene test strips, finding mixed results for detection accuracy – a reminder that testing technology must evolve alongside emerging threats.
Cannabis Policy Shifts on Both Sides of the Atlantic
The cannabis landscape continues its rapid transformation. In Guernsey, half of deputies now back cannabis decriminalisation, whilst across the Atlantic, President Trump is reportedly considering reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug at federal level. Medical Xpress published concerning research showing that modern cannabis, with THC content five times higher than in the 2000s, is driving stronger links to psychosis and schizophrenia.
These policy discussions matter for workplace safety. As attitudes soften, employers may face more complex decisions about cannabis policies, particularly around medical use and detection windows for high-potency products.
Vaping Regulations Creating Market Confusion
The UK’s single-use vape ban appears to be struggling with enforcement. Wales Online investigators easily purchased illegal disposable vapes and foreign cigarettes across Wales, finding widespread non-compliance among retailers. Meanwhile, the government announced that vape sellers will pay disposal costs under new recycling rules, and confirmed a new 22p per ml vape tax arriving next year.
This regulatory patchwork creates uncertainty for employers managing workplace policies around vaping and nicotine use.
Research Highlights: From Alcohol Attitudes to Treatment Retention
Several significant studies emerged this week. US research shows alcohol consumption hitting record lows, with 53% of Americans now viewing even moderate drinking as harmful. Closer to home, only one in six Scots feel comfortable discussing their alcohol consumption, suggesting workplace conversations about substance use remain challenging.
Positively, Scottish research found that people receiving opioid substitution therapy were three times less likely to suffer drug-related deaths compared to when not in treatment, emphasising the importance of supporting employees accessing addiction services.
Ketamine in the Spotlight
The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs issued an urgent call for evidence on ketamine harms, with submissions due by 19 August. Transform’s policy blog highlighted ketamine’s shift from niche club drug to mainstream concern, particularly among young people. This follows FDA approval of ketamine for surgical pain management in the US, creating potential for both legitimate medical use and workplace impairment issues.
Looking Ahead: Festival Season Considerations
As we move through summer festival season, employers should be particularly vigilant about substances like MDMA, with research this week identifying cocaine use disorder treatment strategies and continuing concerns about adulterants in street drugs.
The week’s developments underscore the importance of comprehensive, regularly updated workplace drug policies backed by appropriate testing programmes. At ZoomTesting, we help employers navigate this complex landscape with reliable testing solutions and expert guidance on emerging substances.
For advice on updating your workplace drug testing programme to address these evolving challenges, contact our team of specialists who understand both the science and the practical realities of modern workplace safety.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
