Unlawful status now given to HHC, a derived cannabinoid
Ireland Cracks Down on Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) for Public Health and Mental Wellbeing
In a joint effort to protect the health of the population, particularly young individuals, the Irish Government has classified Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) as an illegal drug. This decision comes following concerns about the substance's potential mental health risks, addictive nature, and widespread accessibility to minors.
HHC, a semi-synthetic cannabinoid similar to THC, has been linked to severe psychiatric episodes, including psychosis requiring hospitalization, particularly among youth. A recent study by researchers at University Hospital Galway found HHC was the second-most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period. Since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022, HHC has been linked with numerous hospitalizations of teenagers with psychosis and severe mental health decline.
The mental health risks associated with HHC include anxiety, psychosis, and behavioral changes. Its addiction potential is similar to THC-based cannabinoids but may be higher due to the variability in potency and contaminants found in synthetic cannabinoids. Reports have shown that synthetic cannabinoids like HHC can cause deaths and severe physical side effects such as cardiac issues and seizures.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill considers the sale of HHC in vapes, attractive packaging, or edible form as a marketing ploy aimed at young people, harmful for youth mental health, and addictive. Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals, especially those unaware of the risks, from avoidable and significant harm. Minister of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor describes HHC as a grave threat to public health.
The Government's approach to drug use is health-led, prioritizing protection and support for the health of the population, education, and prevention. The Ministers for Health, Mental Health, and a State at the Department of Health all agree on the need for education and prevention programs to inform young people and parents about the risks associated with drug use.
The import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. The substance has been added to the list of controlled drugs, classified as Schedule 1 controlled substances under drug misuse laws. This move follows the EU and the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs' identification of these 14 substances, including HHC, as posing a serious risk to public health.
Minister Carroll MacNeill is committed to reviewing legal avenues to respond faster and more effectively to emerging threats from the volatile drugs market. The control of HHC and other harmful substances is an important step in easing the pressure on mental health services and protecting individuals from avoidable and significant harm, according to Minister Butler. Minister Carroll MacNeill is committed to a health-led approach to drug use, prioritizing measures that enable protection and support for the health of the population.
In light of the mental health risks and addiction potential associated with Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), the Irish Government has classified it as an illegal drug to safeguard the health-and-wellness of the population, particularly young individuals, aligning with their health-led approach. Additionally, the Government's efforts to control HHC and other harmful substances are aimed at preventing severe psychiatric episodes, such as psychosis, and other physical side effects, including cardiac issues and seizures, thus reducing the burden on mental health services and protecting individuals from significant harm.
