The Spice Trail: transitions in synthetic cannabis receptor agonists (SCRAs) use in English prisons and on release

Since 2010, Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs) have dominated concerns about drug use in prison; particularly as their use increases in custody and has profound impacts on users, non-users and prison staff. However, far less is known about whether SCRA use continues on release, when ex-prisoners are under the supervision of Community Rehabilitation Companies or resident in Approved Premises. This study, the first of its type, examined experiences of SCRAs amongst recently released ex-prisoners and found that, most often, use discontinues on release, suggesting that SCRAs are seen predominantly as a ‘prison drug’ or, for those continuing use, as a way to avoid a positive drug test and/or breaching their licence whilst living in an Approved Premises. Awareness of SCRA use among their clients differed notably between Community Rehabilitation Company staff and Approved Premises staff; with the former having far less awareness and thus, also far less experience of the associated problems for supervision of their clients.