HHC now added to list of illegal drugs in Ireland
This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal.
HHC is a semi-synthetic version of a natural cannabinoid found in cannabis.
Since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation.
It can be used in vapes or in jelly edibles and emulates the effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the narcotic component present in cannabis plants.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister for the National Drugs Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor announced that Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been categorised as a Schedule 1 controlled drug in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Schedule 1 controlled drugs are those which are considered to have little or no therapeutic value and which present a very high risk of abuse.
The new classification means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal.
The addition of these substances to the Schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts gives added powers of enforcement to An Garda Síochána combatting the trade in illicit drugs.
'The sale of HHC as vapes, in attractive packaging, or in edible jelly form, is a marketing ploy aimed at young people, which masks the fact that this drug is harmful for youth mental health and can be addictive,' said Minister Carroll MacNeill.
'Under the successor national drugs strategy, I'm committed to reviewing legal avenues to respond faster and more effectively to emerging threats from the volatile drugs market. In line with our health-led approach to drug use, our priority is to advance measures that enable us to protect and support the health of our population.'
Minister Murnane O'Connor added: 'Controlling HHC and other harmful substances is an important step that must be complemented by education and prevention programmes so that young people and parents are better informed about the risks associated with drug use.
'We know that HHC is responsible for hospitalisations and psychotic episodes, and that there are many people today struggling with addiction as a result of this and similar drugs.
'I urge people seeking help, either for themselves or for a loved one, to contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline. Information on services in your locality can be found on the Health Research Board's interactive map.'
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