Two teen boys taken to hospital after inhaling vape laced with 'zombie drug and cannabis' at school

Two teenagers have been taken to hospital after inhaling a vape laced with illegal drugs at a school in Midlothian.

Emergency services were called to Dalkeith High School on Cousland Road at around 12.30pm on Tuesday.

The 14-year-old boys became ill after inhaling a vape said to contain “zombie drug” spice and THC – the active chemical in cannabis.

They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.

A mother of one of the boys said the vape had been laced with spice, a synthetic cannabinoid also known as the zombie drug due to its debilitating effects that can include psychosis, loss of movement, vomiting or diarrhoea and even sometimes seizures.

The mum said the boys were offered a draw from the vape and were “violently” sick within around 15 minutes.

She said one of the boys had a “severely low temperature” and the other had low blood pressure and sugar levels, which almost caused him to have a “hypo” – a condition that can be dangerous.

One boy was discharged later that day, but the other was kept in after blood tests came back showing a high level of the enzyme creatine kinase which “caused concern of damage to his kidneys”.

Over a 12-hour period the boy received four bags of fluid, another heart tracing and more blood tests before he was discharged the following day, the mum said.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.30pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, police were made aware two boys aged 14, were taken to hospital after inhaling an illegal vape containing an unknown substance in Cousland Road, Dalkeith.

“Both boys have since been released and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent two crews to the school.

A spokesperson told STV News said: “We received a call at 11.24am on Tuesday, March 4, to attend an incident on Cousland Road, Dalkeith.

“We dispatched two ambulances to the scene and two patients were transported to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.”

School ‘supporting’ pupils and families

A Midlothian Council spokesman said: “We can confirm two pupils became unwell at Dalkeith High School on Tuesday. Both pupils were taken to hospital and later released. The school is supporting the pupils and their families while Police Scotland investigates.

“Dalkeith High School, and indeed schools across Midlothian, will be reminding pupils of the dangers of substance misuse and vaping, which are banned across the school estate.

“If families or anyone is concerned about underage vaping or substance abuse then get medical help immediately if the young person is unwell and call the Police Scotland.

“For ongoing support, schools liaise with services including the council’s educational psychology team and MYPAS, which offers health and wellbeing support services for young people.

“Parents who are worried about their children’s vaping can also contact MYPAS for information and support directly. They can be contacted by calling 0131 454 0757.”