Crackdown on legal semi-synthetic cannabis planned, but no public information campaign on risks
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said there is 'growing concern on the potential impact of using hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) on young people's mental health including the possible link with psychosis'.
She added: 'Young people have reported adverse effects such as loss of consciousness after use.
'I am informed that Department of Health officials, together with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, have drafted legislation to add HHC to the list of Schedule 1 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs legislative framework.
'Schedule 1 controlled drugs are subject to the strictest of control measures and both the possession and/or sale and supply of a Scheduled 1 controlled drug is an offence. It is expected that this legislation will be brought to the Government shortly.'
The minister was responding to a question from Labour party health spokesperson Marie Sherlock.
However, a separate parliamentary question from Ms Sherlock, referred to the HSE, confirmed that no public campaign on HHC risks is planned.
HHC vapes are neither a tobacco nor a nicotine inhaling product
The response said: 'The HSE has not been requested or funded to develop a HHC prevention campaign and has no plans to develop a specific campaign highlighting their use with parents or in schools, unless requested and resourced to do so.
'The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act, which became active in December 2023, made it illegal to sell nicotine-containing vapes to anyone under the age of 18.
'HHC vapes are neither a tobacco nor a nicotine inhaling product, so they do not currently fall under the scope of this legislation. A legislative gap exists as HHC products can still legally be sold to people under 18.
'The HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme has been provided with once-off funding in 2025 to develop a general youth vaping prevention media campaign. Drug use prevention is covered more generally within the junior cycle curriculum.'
Ms Sherlock is concerned that there was no plan for an awareness campaign, 'despite warnings raised by adolescent addiction services and the HSE itself'.
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