Stay Informed: What You Need to Know About ‘Space Oil’ Vapes

New Warning: ‘Space Oil’ Vapes Containing Etomidate Found in NZ

A new warning has been issued about vapes containing "space oil", a liquid reportedly laced with etomidate, a fast-acting sedative typically used in medical anesthesia. These vapes have been identified in New Zealand, including at drug-checking clinics.

What Is ‘Space Oil’?

Also known as “kpods”, these vape liquids are marketed as containing etomidate, but there’s no set formula—some international samples have tested positive for other substances like ketamine or cannabis.

Etomidate is used medically to induce anesthesia but can cause loss of coordination (ataxia), sedation, and slowed breathing (hypoventilation). These effects can be dangerous, especially if combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine, or opioids. Mixing depressants can lead to nausea, breathing issues, choking, unconsciousness, or even death.

What You Need to Know

• Effects can be unpredictable. There’s no guarantee of what’s actually in these vapes.
• Combining with other substances increases risks. Depressants like alcohol or benzos can make breathing difficulties worse.
• Unusual effects? Get help. Report unexpected reactions to Report Unusual Effects and contact the National Poisons Centre (0800 764 766) for medical advice.

While only a few cases have been reported in NZ so far, the availability of these vapes could increase. If you or someone you know is experimenting, stay informed, test when possible, and avoid risky combinations. Stay safe out there.

References
The NZ Herald - Vapes containing dangerous ‘space oil’ found in NZ
High Alert - Space oil and kpods - what’s going on with etomidate in vapes?
MindFuel Encyclopedia - Etomidate