While it is illegal to possess cannabis in Northern Ireland, vapes containing cannabis oils are allowed in some circumstances. That's when they are prescribed by a doctor for a range of health conditions.
CBD on the other hand is extracted from hemp and is not psychoactive - which in every day terms means it won't "get you high". It can be bought over the counter in chemists and can be taken as drops to help control pain and other conditions. Both these drugs are made from plants. Spice is a nickname for synthetic drugs lab-created drugs that mimic the effects of cannabis. Technically they are called Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists – or SCRAs. They are relatively new drugs with new evidence emerging about harms associated with their use, including severe reactions.
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Cannabis is a Class B controlled drug, possession of which is a criminal offence. The Department of Justice said the question should be put to the Department of Health. A DOH spokesperson said: "Cannabis is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as a Class B drug.