Government classifies cannabinoid HHC as illegal drug
This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC have now become illegal.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, in herbal mixtures, oils, edible jellies, cakes and as tinctures, the Department of Health said in a statement.
HHC is one of 14 new substances, including synthetic opioids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, that have just been classified as controlled drugs.
It comes after the EU and the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs identified them as posing a serious risk to public health.
The Department of Health said "synthetic drugs are harmful and addictive' and 'controlling these substances will safeguard public health against drug-related harm'.
"In line with the health-led approach to drug use, the Department of Health is also increasing capacity in drug treatment services and expanding education and prevention initiatives,' they added.
While announcing the ban, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, called the sale of HHC as vapes a 'marketing ploy'.
"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,' she said.
"Under the successor national drugs strategy, I'm committed to reviewing legal avenues to respond faster and more effectively to emerging threats from by 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."
HHC has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022.
A recent study by researchers in University Hospital Galway found that HHC was the second most common drug used by patients presenting with psychosis over a 21-month period.
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, said HHC was 'involved in a third of first-time psychosis cases' at the University Hospital Galway.
'Classifying HHC as a schedule 1 controlled drug will curtail its availability and reduce its health impact, particularly on the mental health of younger people,' she said.
Minister for Public Health, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, said HHC and 'other synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs' are a 'grave threat to public health'.
"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,' she said.
"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,' she added.
Ms Murnane O'Connor urged people who are seeking help to contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline.
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