The Dangers Of Space Oil: What Every Hong Kong Mama Needs To Know

Space oil is impacting the lives, health and safety of our children. Do you know how to spot it — or how to handle it if you do?

If you’re a Hong Kong mama keeping up with the news, you’ve likely seen the viral video of three teenagers arrested in a car park for alleged drug use and other concerning behaviour. The suspected culprit? A synthetic drug called “space oil”. This alarming incident has raised serious questions about what space oil is, how it’s affecting our youth and what we as mothers can do to protect our children.

Read More: How To Stay Alert & Recognise Drug Use In Kids

Jump to:
What Is Space Oil?
How To Spot Space Oil
Keeping Your Kids Safe
Final Thoughts

What Is Space Oil?

Gone are the days when you could keep up with your kid’s indiscretions because they reeked of marijuana. In the age of vaping, we need to be especially tuned in. From last year’s concerns over “liquid spice” (a synthetic cannabinoid) to the more recent “space oil” craze, it seems there’s nothing our kids can’t vape. This is especially concerning when it comes to the latter, as it’s far more potent and dangerous — despite its inconspicuous packaging in e-cigarette cartridges and vape pens. Here are the main things you need to know about space oil:

• Reports indicate that the key substance involved is etomidate, a general anaesthetic and sedative which, outside of medical administration, can be extremely unpredictable — especially when combined with other substances
• The drug is popular among Hong Kong youth because it is cheap (approximately $200 per pod), convenient and delivers an instant — albeit fleeting — high. This means teens may be able to become intoxicated quickly, sober up before anyone has noticed, then easily dispose of the cartridge
• When inhaled or ingested, space oil can cause severe side effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, loss of motor control, addiction, memory loss, seizures, unconsciousness and, in extreme cases, respiratory failure and even death 
• As of 17 February, 2025, etomidate and its three analogues (metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate) have been officially classified as dangerous drugs in Hong Kong — the same classification as ketamine and cocaine — which significantly increases their respective penalties:
  • Trafficking and manufacturing are liable to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $5 million fine
  • Possession and consumption can carry a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine

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How To Spot Space Oil

As a parent, it’s crucial to stay informed about the signs of space oil use. According to Hong Kong social welfare groups, the youngest recorded case of someone abusing etomidate was just 12 years old, so it’s never too early to begin educating your children — or yourself — on how to spot this substance. Here are some red flags to keep in mind:

• Unusual Vapes or Cartridges: Space oil is often sold in inconspicuous packaging —  cartridges that look like regular vape juice. If your child owns vaping equipment or unfamiliar liquids, it’s worth investigating. The police have also recently rolled out rapid test kits to detect space oil, and there’s a chance that these will become available to the public
• Sudden Behaviour Changes: Emotional indicators of anaesthetic abuse include extreme mood swings (in particular, sudden irritability), confusion, disorientation, impaired judgement (increased risk-taking), inexplicable anxiety or paranoia, social withdrawal, impaired memory and lethargy
• Physical Symptoms: Bloodshot eyes, nausea, shaking, blackouts, impaired coordination (clumsiness or loss of motor control), slurred speech and difficulty breathing could all be signs of space oil intoxication

Read More: What’s Causing Our Teens Anxiety & Upsetting Their Mental Health

Keeping Your Kids Safe

While the thought of your child encountering space oil is scary, here are some proactive steps you can take as a parent:

• Have Open Conversations: Create a safe space for your child to talk about peer pressure, curiosity and risks. Educating them about the dangers of drugs can go a long way, but make sure they also feel comfortable reaching out  — consider that if your child fears your reaction (or punishment) over their indiscretions, it is unlikely they will come to you in a time of need
• Monitor Their Social Media And Friendships: Space oil is often glamourised on social media. Depending on your child’s age (we don’t recommend this for older teens — privacy is important, too!), you can keep an eye on their online activity and know who they’re spending time with outside of school
• Lead By Example: Show your children how to make healthy choices and manage stress without turning to substances. Create a home environment where your child knows that they have someone to turn to if they are feeling overwhelmed

Read More: How To Talk To Your Teen — 9 Effective Communication Tips

Final Thoughts

While the recent car park incident was a wake-up call for parents across Hong Kong, know that we can’t shield our kids from every danger. Try to remember what you were up to as a young girl and how your own mother was frightened of things you weren’t participating in! At the end of the day, the best we can do is stay informed and maintain open communication. Let’s work together to keep our families safe in this ever-changing world.

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