Latest news with #SchedulesoftheMisuseofDrugsActs
The Journal
29-07-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Synthetic cannabinoid HHC has now been classified as an illegal drug
THE SEMI-SYNTHETIC CANNABINOID product HHC has been banned in Ireland. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced today that Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has been classed as a Schedule 1 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. HHC produces similar effects to THC, which is a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. However, HHC is a chemically modified substance. It has been available in Ireland in vapes and edibles but until today was not subject to legal restrictions as it had not yet classified as a controlled substance. The College of Psychiatrists has previously called on the government to add HHC and any semi-synthetic cannabinoid to the list of prohibited substances for manufacture, distribution and sale. In September of last year, Consultant Specialist Addiction Psychiatrist Professor Colin O'Gara said that although it is initially seen to be a 'harmless' drug, it 'can have devastating effects on a young person's mental health; we have treated young men suffering from severe psychosis as a result of vaping HHC'. Advertisement Since HHC was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation. 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. HHC is one of 14 new substances that have been newly classified as controlled drugs, alongside synthetic opioids and semi-synthetic cannaboids. The drugs were identified by the EU and by the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs as posing a serious risk to public health. The substances being classified as illegal gives gardaí added powers of enforcement in combatting the trade in illegal drugs. The addition of these substances to the Schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts gives added powers of enforcement to An Garda Siochana combatting the trade in illicit drugs. Carroll MacNeill said the sale of HHC as vapes in 'attractive packaging', or in edible jelly form is a 'marketing ploy' aimed at young people. Junior Minister for the National Drug Strategy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor added that HHC is responsible for hospitalisations and psychotic episodes and that there are many people struggling with addition as a result of HHC and similar drugs. She urged those seeking help for themselves or a loved one to contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline. The HSE operates a confidential freephone Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm or through email at helpline@ Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
29-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Semi-synthetic cannabinoid HHC reclassified as an illegal drug
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which has been commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, has been classified as an illegal drug by the Government. This means the import, export, production, possession, sale and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. HHC is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid that has similar effects to cannabis and has been sold as e-cigarettes or vape pens, in herbal mixtures, oils, edible jellies and cakes and as tinctures. Since it was first detected in Ireland in 2022, it has been linked with episodes of psychosis and hospitalisation. READ MORE 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. It is one of 14 new substances, including synthetic opioids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids, that have been newly classified as controlled drugs. This follows their identification by the EU and by the UN Commission for Narcotic Drugs as posing a serious risk to public health. The addition of these substances to the Schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts gives added powers of enforcement to An Garda Síochána combating the trade in illicit drugs. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the sale of HHC as vapes, in attractive packaging or in edible 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. '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,' she said. '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 of State at the Department of Health Jennifer Murnane O'Connor described HHC as '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. Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler said: 'Measures like this are essential to easing the pressure on our mental health services and protecting individuals, especially those unaware of the risks, from avoidable and significant harm.'
