Drug being used in vapes made illegal after people suffer psychotic episodes

The Minister for Health has recently announced that HHC is now illegal in Ireland.

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has announced that a drug called HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is now categorised as a Schedule 1 controlled drug Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.

This means that 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 commonly 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, according to a report by Drugs.ie.

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 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, 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 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.”

READ NEXT: LIVE: Justin Kelly appointed to replace Drew Harris as Garda Commissioner

Minister Murnane O’Connor said: “HHC, like other synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs, is 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.

“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.

“I also want to assure parents who may be worried about their children and the impact of HHC. Help and support is available, and I urge them to use the HSE’s excellent resource on drugs.ie called Alcohol and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide. It provides factual information and advice on talking to their children about the risks associated with illicit drugs.”

Minister Butler said: "A recent study showed HHC was involved in a third of first-time psychosis cases at University Hospital Galway. This is clear evidence of the serious harm it can cause. 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. 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."