The Danish Health Authority has issued a stern warning regarding illegal liquids used in puff bars and e-cigarettes following the tragic death of an individual believed to be caused by poisoning from a synthetic cannabinoid.
Authorities from the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Aarhus University concluded that this untimely death was linked to exposure to a substance identified as 5F-ADB, or 5F-MDMB-PINACA, which is classified as an illegal drug.
In a press release disseminated on Friday evening, the Danish Health Authority noted that while the full circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear, there are indications that an e-cigarette may have played a role. Cannabinoids are compounds that naturally occur in the cannabis plant, yet their synthetic versions can pose significant health risks.
Jacob Møller Antonsen, chief physician and head of section at the Danish Health Authority, expressed profound concern over the ease of access to such dangerous products. “We are alarmed that individuals can so readily obtain illegal substances with severe and potentially lethal consequences,” he stated. He further cautioned, “Many consumers mistakenly believe that items purchased from unauthorized retailers contain only nicotine, but they may be laced with a host of hazardous materials. We cannot stress enough the importance of steering clear of these products.”
The report from the Center for Drug Research indicates a worrying trend: the use of puff bars among young people is on the rise. By 2025, 9.1 percent of youths aged 15 to 25 reported having used puff bars in the preceding month, making these disposable e-cigarettes—often flavored with sweet or fruity aromas—especially appealing to younger consumers.
Authorities maintain vigilance by continuously examining puff bars and other products seized by Customs or the police, particularly when cases of youth intoxication arise. The National Board of Health remains committed to monitoring the drug situation in Denmark, collaborating closely with other agencies to address this escalating concern.
