‘Spice’ — a designer synthetic cannabinoid. Credit: G.W. Pomeroy (Wikipedia Commons).

An epidemic of a laboratory-created cannabis substitute is putting nurses who treat inmates in prisons at risk.

The Royal College of Nursing reported that it had staff members who had been left unwell after tending to prisoners in their cells.

One nurse lost consciousness after inhaling spice fumes and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Last year, a report released by HM Inspectorate of Prisons expressed concern over the growing use of the drug.

You can listen to the voice report to hear more:

Update on 12 June 2018:

More than 500 men at HMP Humber prison were treated for the effects of Spice last year according to Independent Monitoring Board.

More than 500 men at HMP Humber were treated for the effects of Spice last year according to Independent Monitoring Board https://t.co/V0gh501TK5

— Prison Reform Trust (@PRTuk) 12 June 2018