Minister Butler speaks on illegal substance commonly sold as e-cigarettes or vapes
"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," Minister Mary Butler said
Synthetic cannabinoid HHC or Hexahydrocannabinol is now classified as an illegal drug in Ireland.
HHC 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.
A 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.
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, and the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, announced recently that the drug has been categorised 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.
It’s one of 14 new substances, including synthetic opioids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids that have been newly classified as controlled drugs.
Speaking on the new measures, Waterford’s Minister Mary 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."
Minister Carroll MacNeill added: "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."
